Three years ago, at age 44, I decided to embrace my identity as a Transgender Woman. My transition began during the long winter of 2011, and day-by-day I've stumbled my way into the person I am today. During this emotional process I've shed many layers from my previous identity that had accumulated over time. It was like I had been wearing a suit of medieval armor, heavy and cumbersome, all my life. And while I feel free these days, I know I’m more vulnerable and susceptible to the world around me.