My Estroversary Month 2…and National Bikini Day July 5th, 2017

Michelle D.
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

I am feeling wonderful, although much like Alice falling down the Rabbit Hole.

‘Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end! ‘I wonder how many miles I’ve fallen by this time?’

Alice’s fall led her to some exciting moments to be sure. It also led her to intriguing problems which puzzled Alice.

Not to be cliche’ but much in the same way, my transition journey is leading me to exciting moments and intriguing problems.

As puzzled as Alice was,(although she did replace the marmalade jar on the shelf as she was falling) I recently moved to Central California, minutes away from the ocean and gorgeous beaches and water. I leave only familiarity behind as I make this move. I begin a new position here and I am presenting on the job as female for the very first time.

I am a teacher. A newer teacher in an older body with the wisdom of years to rely on. Yet, those years quickly dissipate as I realize I cannot rely on my past experiences - where I presented as a male - to predict future outcomes presenting as a female. I am experiencing public life as a woman for the very first time for which I have little familiarity with (‘Down, down, down.’)

I was hired for this new teaching position over the phone. I made no mention of my gender expression as it was unnecessary and not proper in an employment interview. I will now be revealing myself as transgender to my new administrators, staff, students, parents and the general public. I cannot predict their reactions and I stand resolved to be up-front about my transitioning.

In our current culture, visibility of transgender persons is greater as more and more trans persons ‘come-out’ and brighten the world with their love and example of living with authenticity. All we want to do is live our lives and do what we are good at. Oh, and also to be able to pee where we choose.

A brief piece on National Bikini Day: https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2017/07/02/a-brief-look-at-the-bikini-national-bikini-day-is-july-5th/103380532/

Michelle D.

Written by

Michelle D. is a transgender woman/teacher/activist/writer and recipient of Congressional recognition for her activism and service to the community.

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