It’s been a little bit since I’ve added this to my website, so I wanted to take the opportunity today to just check in, say hi, and say that I’m still here; I’ve just been a little bit busy as of late.

It’s hard to believe that it has already been a year since I finally accepted the fact that I am a transgender woman and not, as I had been assigned, a man after all. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the first cracks started to form. There were so many signs, but 13 August was when I took the first formal step by going to my local Planned Parenthood clinic and getting the care I needed. It seemed fitting to call that my hatching day, or tranniversary.

So, a year on, how does this make me feel? Well, partially surprised that it’s already been so long, but I am so happy that I made this choice… Not to be transgender, of course, I had absolutely no say in that, but it was my choice whether to embrace or suppress it, and I have to say I chose the right option. I feel so much happier, so much more comfortable in my own skin, my confidence has increased, and I dare say I am a lot more calm and less prone to anger than I was before.

In spite of the rise of Christian nationalism in this country and all the hate directed at people like me, spurred on by our current administration, I also feel exceedingly lucky and grateful. Lucky that places like Planned Parenthood exist so I had a safe place to start my gender transition, lucky that I live in an area that generally seems to accept me (even people you wouldn’t necessarily expect), and grateful for the support and love I’ve received from my family and friends as I navigate this new chapter of my life.

All in all, a year into this, I’m feeling positive, and I’m optimistic for the future. I’ll leave it there for now, and end with a picture of me being busy. 😝