I’m Thankful For

A roommate, partner, and ex-wife who I call my friend
Brothers and sisters who accept me as their sister
Colleagues who believed in me
Doctors and health care providers who look after my wellness
Enthusiastic athletes who love track and field
Facebook “likes” and tumblr ♥’s
Gender-queer and transgender teens who find hope
Hot Coffee in bed
IKEA
Janet Mock’s intelligence, bravery and beauty

Southern Comfort Part 3.

If you’re looking for authentic, I cannot imagine it can get better than Thai Lanna. The food is simply amazing and the dishes are for real.  I was happy to share lunch with my former sister in-law and her husband.  I’d have known them for nearly 20 years, but they had yet to meet me as Gia.  After exchanging pleasant messages, we agreed to meet for lunch.  Thai Lanni is just a few minutes from the conference and they live just outside the city.  The quite and intimate restaurant was the perfect oasis from the commotion of SCC.  The first question they asked was “am I happy?” I’m sure I sad, yes! But happy doesn’t quite explain the feelings I’ve felt since coming out, but for that moment, it worked. 

Southern Comfort Part 2.

Inside the hotel was paradise.   And I’m not referring to the dated décor and architecture, but the beautiful people who filled the lobby.  They took my breath away.  I had asked friends and colleagues about this conference before leaving.  But everyone was quiet about it, now I knew why.  I had to experience it for myself.  Up until that moment, my direct experience with trans people had been very limited.  Not quite four years ago, I was lost.  Fortunately I found my way to a support group meeting in Portland.  It was there, sitting on a stained couch in a small obscure office, I realized I wasn’t alone.