Sometimes I catch myself feeling a little victimized because I’m Transgender. I realized that I needed a little self-affirmation about who I am. I decided it was time to practice a little gratitude for being Transgender.
- I’m 100% Me
This may seem patently obvious, but that’s why it’s #1! I am living as my 100% authentic self, and that’s no small feat. I’m not sure of the statistics, but I’ll wager at least 3/4 of the population of the United States is not living as their authentic selves, whatever that means to them. It takes some moxy to dare to be different, and I crossed that boundary many years ago. It’s no longer a “What-if” on my bucket list!
2. I’ve looked at life from both sides
This unique perspective is a mind-blowing one. Very few humans get to live and experience life as both genders. It allows an understanding and empathy for both that I deeply cherish. I know why men need to boast and show off, and I know why women mostly don’t care.
3. I draw from both energies
I find that my personal energy has become a little of both. Sometimes I need to use my “Yin” force to be nurturing, understanding, and compassionate. While at others I use my Yang when I need to be more protective, powerful, and ready for combat. That is not to say these powers don’t exist in each gender, it’s just that I have felt the hormone-driven aspects of both. I know what existed before my transition and what appeared after. I lost a little of the Yang and gained a bit more of the Yin.
4. I feel like a better person
Once again, no shade on men or being male, but I personally have grown immensely from this experience. I often marvel at my former arrogance and naivete. I didn’t know what I didn’t know until after transition. Now I know what the other half is experiencing and it has given me enormous empathy for women and girls in ways I couldn’t have imagined before. This has translated into empathy for our world and a renewed belief in harmony, forgiveness, and negotiation as the only way forward for our planet. We can no longer afford, selfishness, jealousy, revenge, anger, and retaliation if we are going to survive. More than ever we need to look upon each other as brothers and sisters and find a peaceful path through cooperation and community.
5. I feel smaller and larger at the same time
I am literally about 20 lbs. lighter since transition, but that’s not what I’m talking about. As a Trans woman, I feel like I’ve learned to take up less space. It may not be obvious to most men, but women regularly give space to others. This is something that most men are completely unaware of. Just today, swimming laps at my local pool, 3 men stood at one end and made it impossible for me to get to the wall and do my turn. This is something that would never happen if they were 3 women. They would have been aware of my need to get to the wall and given me room. I do the same for other people now, and simultaneously am more aware of others. My awareness of those around me has expanded! It’s like I gained a new power!
6. I enjoy being female more than most people enjoy simply existing as their gender.
Right? Most people just are. They don’t walk around saying, “I LOVE being my gender!” I sort of do. Every day.
7. I can wear high heels
Or flats, or low heels, tennis shoes, sandals, boots… The list is endless. I mean my wardrobe now includes most things men AND women wear. The world is my fashion-oyster!
8. Men and women hit on me
And it’s OK. I use to feel really self-conscious if a guy hit on me. I used to think I was somehow sending off “Gay” vibes. This may be a generational thing, but as a Transgender woman, I’m completely flattered by both. The corollary to this is, that I can hit on either gender too!
9. I’m a Damn UNICORN!
I am! I walk through this world with this super Unicorn power, and no one else knows! I used to think it was a curse, but now, post-transition, it has become the best feeling I could imagine.
10. I have Trans brothers and sisters
WE are all part of a larger Trans community. You and I are part of it if we are both transgender. It’s like belonging to a special club with meet-up and support groups, legal advice, health care, and therapy. All YOU have to do is reach out!
That was easier than I thought! I could probably come up with 10 more, but that’s enough for now. I’m feeling much better!
