Surprise

[jimhelm]

Why Erika?

[Ibby]

Originally Posted by BigV

Thanks, Ibram, I appreciate that.

This is not very dramatically surprising to me, as I've "known" you for a while around here. But this kind of "knowing" and association has some big differences compared to IRL "knowing". What kind of obstacles have you found outside the cellar? What kinds of things are going better for you?

What would you *like* to happen?

I'd say if I came out to, say, my coworkers at my hardware store job, I would face major opposition and skepticism, if not outright discrimination, from either coworkers or conservative contractor customers. I accept that; I'm find staying a faggot rather than a tranny to them. I get ma'amed at work about once a week, already, without trying to pass; i smile inside every time, but I don't expect to try to pass in all contexts.
All of the three or four friends I have left, I've come out to, and only one expressed any surprise at it - and when I explained it in terms of, "i've been saying i'm basically a woman for years. I just was kidding less than you figured", he got it. But I'm in the sort of place where I know so few people, where there is so little connecting my life now to my past, that I don't have much that I can point to as differences beyond the fact that I feel so much better about myself, so much more comfortable, being able to come out. I was telling a friend of mine the other day, the reason I sort of feel like want to come out at work anyway is because... it's just good news! it feels like happy, amazing, joyous news, and I want to share it!

Originally Posted by jimhelm

Why Erika?

My middle name is Erik. I'm not settled on it necessarily, but I like it, and it seems to fit for the time being unless I find something better.

[Lola Bunny]

Welcome, Erika...or congratulation? I hope in time you will become happier and more comfortable with yourself. In the meantime, good luck. Society is not accepting.

[glatt]

Congratulation Erika/Ibby. I can't say I'm much surprised either. But I'm happy for you!

I can understand your keeping a low profile to keep things easier in some circles. You've come out to your friends and to us. I'm glad you feel safe here and and honored you told us.