Does anyone else feel like it's a good thing?

This might sound funny, but I actually feel like being trans is a positive thing in my life. Let me explain why:

I feel like we have faced one of the hardest things in the world, if I had a choice I would rather have been a cis woman in the front lines of a war. I stood up to the challenge and did it anyway, despite the intense fear, anxiety and (partially unfounded) panic and knowing I'd be a social outcast in my town forever and everywhere else until I pass. I came out on the other side with an experience few get to have, and I get to actually appreciate simply being myself for the rest of my life, something most people never do. I can't lose that, I can never be unhappy because I have all I ever wanted and there's no way you can take that away from me. I'm proud of myself for doing it, I'm proud of all my sisters, brothers and siblings going through the same thing. You go, people! (!)

I also have a lot of unique viewpoints on matters such as sexism and being an extreme majority (assumed cis, male and hetero, on top of that I'm white) vs. a very discriminated against minority (trans, female, gay). I didn't experience micro-aggressions first hand before, and I've learned to simply listen when someone tells me I'm being offensive. It's not like arguing my position makes it less offensive to them, that's just me trying to explain away my responsibility instead of just learning and not doing it again. I'm ashamed to say I had to experience it myself to really get it, but it did teach me to be patient with privileged people because they honestly don't always understand at all. I know it shouldn't be like that, but it is what it is and I can deal with it.

This helped me grow as a person in a way no other experience could have done. I'm thankful for it, and now I'll never doubt myself again. If we can do this, we can do anything. Who's up for solving world hunger next? :lol:

 

I gave myself a lot of crap for not doing it sooner, too. You have the right attitude, you're listening now and that's all that matters. You're totally awesome for doing it at all! (*hug*)

P.S. I'm not exactly a pegasister (only seen a few episodes), but I love Fluttershy. :lol:

 

I agree, being born cis would definitely be easier. If I had been born that way I wouldn't have thought about it though, and I'm not sure I would have found peace with myself as soon as I did because I'm trans. This experience has taught my that happiness isn't found in money, stuff or other people, but within myself and allowing myself to be who I am without judgement.

Thank you! (*hug*) I agree with this too. One of the changes to our the surroundings is that when we transition we show those who know us that trans people aren't these crazy people you see on Jerry Springer, we're just as boring as the next person. We spread further knowledge about gender and equality just by being ourselves.

 

I would rather have been born cis as well, and I think most would agree with you. I spent a sizable portion of my life confused and scared, when I should've been enjoying myself and partying with people. There is no doubt that it's a hell of a thing to go through.

I guess it's easier to see the good in it, and value everything I've learned about myself and life in general now that I'm simply looking back at it. I guess it can be comapred to how I absolutely hate pushing myself really hard while exercising, but when I'm done I feel absolutely amazing.

You're doing something really good for yourself, give yourself some credit. It's not about being able to claim having lived a tough life, but knowing you can handle whatever life throws at you. You're taking a hard crash course and graduating with a PhD, then you're going back to high school with the rest of the world still trying to discover themselves. You're playing the game of life on an extra hard difficulty level, because you're just that damn good, any other difficulty setting would've been too easy for you! You're a f:***:ng king! :king:

I'd say we have a symbiotic relationship going between all of us. You're helping people too by just posting here. Everyone's helping everyone! Well, at least trying in my case, I'm not always the best at it. :lol:

 

The whole wanting to make out in public thing would weird me out, even if I were in a straight relationship. I absolutely hate being the center of attention[*]. I am not a trans or gay activist despite belonging to both groups, because I just want to live my life. I am proud of myself for doing it, very much so, but I don't want anyone to find out either of those unless they need to. It's for me to be proud of for myself, I don't need others to validate my self-respect.

Oh, and you totally rock too! Let's rock together! I'm adding you as a friend.

[*] Except for the throwing chairs thing we tend to do, of course. :lol: