It is quite unfortunate the ignorance of society has so much power in ruining the lives of "two spirited" individuals. As open as this country tries to appear, the case of "black" or "white" genders (male or female) with no variation is not only closed minded, but proves the conservative republicans are still in control. Fortunately for me here in Illinois, cook county is one of the few counties to actually add gender variant people to the list of protected individuals against gender discrimination.

Even with the laws protecting me, my former life as an marketing executive for a japanese manufacturer was still under fire. My then employer chose to "pay me off" so that I would go away un-noticed. It would have been much more cost effective for my previous employer to simply let me continue to perform as the #1 marketing director in the country rather than pay me to go away.

My performance had been impeccable during my entire career, saving the company millions of dollars. This company were sad to see me go, but happy they didnt have to deal with a '3rd" gender.

I tell this story not for pity or sympathy, but to show that we (Transgender people) wish to be treated with respect and dignity just like anyone else. If one does not understand the quest of a Transgender individual, perhaps one should consider not judging us. Give yourself an opportunity to meet us and chat with us...we are (not always) a quite intelligent breed. Our lives can appear quite enduring to the general population.

We will take a bullet for our friends, we will sacrifice love and life to continue following our paths to "be true to" ourselves. We will survive. I am extremely happy to add, we are not going anywhere, anytime soon. Our numbers and support and tolerance just keep getting stronger and stronger. Now if we could only get together as a collective voice and be just a tad less self absorbed, perhaps we will accomplish a thing or two.

Please do not hate us for the genes and chromosomes our parents handed down to us. We haven't asked to have such an intense and uncommon variation to our genders. We do not desire to lose our friends and loved ones, especially family. We are who we are and most of us would care not to live in our percieved shell...We cry at the sorrow of losing our families and loved ones.

For those of you that do not have the interest in giving us a chance, I do not hate you nor do I want to change you. I forgive you for your ignorance in our lives. I pray (tho not a religious individual) that your children will be our savior. That if you have a child with gender variation, that your child will be accepted into society, regardless of whether or not you accept and support your child.

Please don't hate us...We love life and it is too short to waste on anger. Anger and stress kill

WOW!!!  Here Here Jasmine  Can't add much more to that!!!

Hugs, girl.  Thanks for such a heart felt post.

Guys, we are people too.  And sadly our Federal govt just denied us the right to federal job protections.

My partner Jessica, who is a computer genius applied for a postition in DC with a government agency for after she graduates.  As a "female" which is what all our ID says.

She was "in there" until she was interviewed a few weeks ago when it came out she was trans and they couldn't toss her papers in the trash fast enough.

And without ENDA we can't even sue.  The ONLY hate or discrimination I ever encounter is with the government or in some cases health care.

Which interestingly enough - today I had a terrible migraine and had to call a house doctor, I was concerned he might refuse to treat me when he found out I was trans.

Instead, he said, "that's OK, I'm gay..." and he was the sweetest most caring Dr. I've ever met.  Spent over an hour with me making sure I'd be OK.

And yes Jas is right.  I transitioned later in life. I lost everything I'd worked my lifetime for. My retirement (I'd retired at 36.) My home  (which I'm hopefully going to recover soon after 2 years of battles) my family, and everyone I knew, except for a handfull of my oldest friends who in some cases date to Jr, high school and without exception have stood by me the whole way.

But I've also found an interesting and exciting world in our hobby.  I've met many wonderful people, both men and other girls, and a few total jerks.  But I would't trade it for the world.

Happy Holidays, wherever and whoever you are, and be true to yourself.

Hugs,
TS Jamie