It Gets Better

By Amy

Once gobs of Dermablend. Now only a light foundation is needed due to hair removal and shaving close.

Once my skin was course, now it is soft. (Retin A.)

Once clothes were ill fitting, now a size 8 is just right. Looks right.

Once my hair was short. Now it can be styled for either gender. (And color and highlights!)

Once I was directed to the men’s dressing rooms. Now I am welcome with the women.

Once my walk was clumsy. Now it expresses who I appear to be quite well.

Once I looked down and away from others. Now I smile and they smile back.

Once (I would notice), other diners would notice me. Now it is rare to see anyone take notice.

Once I would often hear the wrong pronoun. Not anymore.

Once I was alone. Now new friends are easy to make, and the encouragement is amazing.

Once I was gripped with fear while driving. Now a speeding ticket is no problem. (Yes, he was very polite.)

Once I avoided interaction, now men open doors for me, women converse.

Once uncertain looks meant ambiguity was obvious. Now only surprised smiles and good conversation follows.

Once the mall was the limit of my world. Now there are no limits to where I can go and what I can do.

Once questions of why and how were common. Now my sincerity, commitment and femininity are obvious.

The message is that if you are working hard at passing, you may actually pass better than you think. It takes time and practice, but it will get better. In recent years my many extended outings as Amy have been nothing but rewards. Every woman I meet seems to say, “Welcome to the Club!”

Wearing Brahmin.

Lisa takes a selfie after dressing for Halloween 2015.