I just read your post on the Huffpost gay section. I truly can relate to what you went through. My strategy was to wear mask and pretend to like things I didn’t for 20 years after the realization there was a difference. I also learned to deflect any questions with an excuse or humor to make others more comfortable. It took me a lot of introspection to finally be ok with who I am, and love. Even with your fear of being different, it’s good to hear someone had the strength of character to be them without the masks. I know now the false dichotomy set up around boy and girl attributes was what caused me so many years of confusion and stress. Even though now I love being a guy, who just happens to be gay; it’s those formative years of confusion that make me empathetic to those that are trans. Do you think your background gives you a similar perspective? I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.
I just read your post on the Huffpost gay section. I truly can relate to what you went through. My strategy was to wear mask and pretend to like things I didn’t for 20 years after the realization there was a difference. I also learned to deflect any questions with an excuse or humor to make others more comfortable. It took me a lot of introspection to finally be ok with who I am, and love. Even with your fear of being different, it’s good to hear someone had the strength of character to be them without the masks. I know now the false dichotomy set up around boy and girl attributes was what caused me so many years of confusion and stress. Even though now I love being a guy, who just happens to be gay; it’s those formative years of confusion that make me empathetic to those that are trans. Do you think your background gives you a similar perspective? I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Ryan. It sounds like our circumstances were very similar. Cheers to being peas in a pod!