I've created a 7 year plan which includes moving to a more Trans-friendly area, working a Trans-friendly job (or retiring early) and living 24/7 -- inside the house AND outside the house -- as a woman... Wearing whatever I want, whenever I want, and looking however I want... WITHOUT worrying about what other people think.
I've been making bold strides to accomplish my goals ahead of time:
- Location: I've been doing heavy research on the most Trans-friendly areas to move to... England, San Fran, Orlando, Portland, etc. Portland seems to be the best mix of affordability and lifestyle so I'm currently checking into the city, clubs and housing there.
- Coming Out: I made a "coffee date" with my sister and plan to tell her about being Transgender. I'm not sure if I'll go through with it though. We used to be very close but now that she is "born-again", I don't know how she'll take it... so I'll drop a few hints before I drop the bomb.
- Names: After years of trying to choose my new name, I've finally decided on what my new name will be! (Dee Burke was just something quick that I came out with, never what I wanted once I transitioned. My first name begins with "D" so several years ago I dropped my full first name and just began using "D" or "Dee" when I sign things... and Burke was a fake last name that my mom used after her divorce).
- Practice: I've been practicing the walk and the talk a lot more lately. Tonight I took my dog for a 3+ mile walk in TG mode... practicing my "girlie walk" the whole time. I've perfected it in the house (in heels... I always wear heels in my house) but it's much harder to master the walk in public and in sneakers! It took about 2 miles before I got it down (SO hard to do when the dog is pulling on the leash) but once I got it perfected, I felt SO GOOD! I'm going back out now for another long walk! I need to get to the point where it's totally natural (without thinking about it a I'm doing it).
Be Real...
Be Happy.
Dee
