Yesterday’s caption hit a nerve. Several emails and comments
made me realize I am doing more than providing entertainment. When I set out to
do a caption based on information I read in several articles about Bruce, now
Caitlyn Jenner, my goal was to provide a short, realistic portrayal of the
transformation process and how it affects those undergoing the procedures. What
I was unprepared for was the response from people planning to make the change
in the future when funds or other parameters allow. Many expressed they would
have no doubts about gender reassignment after the surgery. According to some
news outlets, Caitlyn Jenner did question herself for a while. I think the media
blitz is responsible for the feelings Caitlyn had. I meant to offend no one. I responded
to all the comments/emails. I think everyone understood.
That brings me to today’s caption. Rather than tell a story,
I want to say “Thank You” to all my readers. Some days the captions come easier
than others. I try to tell a story rather than just a scene or situation as
many TG blogs do. This is not to say I am better than the others; I am not.
Several TG blogs are significantly better than anything I produce. My goal has
always been to be different. It is not easy. Telling a fresh story every day is
hard and I know I fail too often. Still, you, my faithful readers, have been
nothing but kind. I bow my head in humility by your wonderful accolade and
continued readership. More than anything, I am humbled by those coming here not
to read a story or see a picture for entertainment, but to learn to cope as a
transgender person. I cannot fully understand what you go through. I know my
daughter does, being born intersex. The struggles must be overwhelming some
days. For all of you, I pray you find peace and someday get the body you alwaysknew you should have been born with. Hopefully everyone is entertained too.
Thank you.
Kisses.
Krazy Kay
Aww.....this post is SO SWEET, Kay. It brought tears to my eyes. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteKay,
ReplyDeleteYesterday's caption was a good one, and broaching the subject of a real-life gender swap is a food move. Yet I might take exception to some of those people who claim that they would have no doubts about the gender reassignment once it was complete. As per the Benjamin standard, one must live in the new gender for one or two years, full time, before the major surgery itself can be completed. This is done because before that requirement was instituted, too many people who had the sex reassignment surgery simply were not happy, and many committed suicide. These days many doctors require of living 24/7. Mine required 2 years. Yet even after the two years of living the new role 24/7, there was still no way that I "knew" that after the surgery I would be happy. It's sort of a catch 22 since until it is final, you truly can't know if you'll be happy. But by then, it's basically permanent. No deposit, no return. The process of transitioning is going to be different from person to person, but most everyone who goes through it will have wins and losses. The new role can and will have a profound effect on family, friends and jobs. Not everyone will accept the 'new you.' My experience has been
fairly positive, for I live in a tolerant part of the country. I have not have to face the violence and intimidation many of those in other parts of the country have had to. Yet in the end, for those who know that their gender doesn't match their body, it can be a very good thing. Knowing whether that is truly what you want is the hard part. You can easily convince yourself, but you need to remember that you also have to convince those you live and work with. You have to be quick on your feet, as there are always new challenges that come up that you aren't prepared for. And living as a female, and being truly accepted as one, is not like living as you once did as a guy. Women tend to be critical, so you must be prepared for that. Confidence, or the lack of it in one's new self, is what will make or break any transition, from my humble perspective. And the surgeries are basically the easy part. They have good drugs these day. I myself really had very little, if any, discomfort. But it was worth it in the end. And one thing many folks miss is that in the M-F surgery, the new vagina is not like a real one. It takes an ongoing effort to 'dilate' it to keep it from closing up. It's not a major issue, but just one of the inconveniences of the reassignment. Keep up the good work, Kay, and give your blog and yourself more credit than you do. It's not too bad at all.
Thank you for your well thought out and detailed comment and the vote of confidence. I am glad you gave such a detailed comment. More people need to see this. My daughter was born intersex and has many of the same issues a MTF transition person does. It is a challenge. Even still, I am an outsider looking in, wondering what it is like. Again, thank you, Alexis.
ReplyDeleteI love it anyway no matter what you write.
ReplyDelete