Dear Stacy,

I know how much it hurts when friends and/or family reject folks like us simply because of who we are. They may come around in time.

Can you see your therapist very soon, or arrange a phone consultation? I highly recommend this.

I'm glad you had someone watch your firearms at this exceptionally difficult time. If you start to have suicidal thoughts, google "transgender suicide prevention" for toll free numbers. You will get a non-judgemental listener who will also offer some comfort.

Remember that you are a terrific woman just as you are. I expect that, with time, you will get to the point where you care little about the approval of others.

As for passing, very few people pass perfectly and many who do not still do very well. From your photos, I do not see that you need to be concerned about this. You are fortunate that way.

Please look after yourself and call a hotline if you find your situation too difficult. Your life will improve, but you need to be around for that to happen.

Friends who do not show concern for you, like the wife of your male friend, may come around with time. That's beyond your control, though. Far better to refuse to listen to all the negativity. It is hurting you. Not listening, or texting about this, is under your control.

Affectionately,

Danya

I haven't posted to this thread in about 3 months so I guess I should do a little update. Not much has changed since the last update except now I am looking at a very real possibility of getting sent to East Africa for a while with my job. It's a once in a lifettime opportunity and a chance to really save up a lot of money. It's a rather unnerving prospect being over there on HRT but it is also VERY exciting!

I haven't come out to anyone else in a while and I havn't talked to my friend as she has been kinda distant so I havent pushed it. She doesn't understand any of this and I don't think she is really going to try so, I will miss her very much. And that reminds me of a quote that I heard that read:

"I need you to go back to living a miserable existence. I want you to lose the will to live. If it kills you, well sorry, but you make me uncomfortable and I can't abide it."

So that's about all that has gone on. Rather boring really. I wish I had Danya's ability to write as I'm sure she could have found much more to say!