Your Past is Your Future

During the past few years, I've known a number of transsexuals who have destroyed all certificates or information they have that ties them to their past. High school diplomas and mementos were thrown out. Photos, souvenirs, baby books, anything that would remind them of their past life and the years long attempts they've made to blend into society.

My comment? Don't throw away your past. That past is part of your future.

We all have to hide under a shell representing the gender that society claims of which we are a part. We develop that shell academically and professionally. We try to strive in our lives while we hide. Hiding doesn't succeed.

Instead, those shells under which we exist dissolve and we must all eventually face our true genders. However, it is that shell, those academic and professional accomplishments, that preserved our existence up to that confrontation with our true selves. It is that past, those accomplishments that have helped us survive and will become part of our new futures.

Instead of destroying your diplomas and experience, build upon those accomplishments. Change the name on those diplomas. Even change your Veterans Administration records. In early 1997, I called the Oakland (CA) office of the VA about a new certificate they had sent me. It contained my old name. When I explained to the woman service representative that I had changed gender, she comment was send the Certificate of Eligibility back and they would change the name on the certificate. When I told her that there were many Transsexuals who were afraid to confront the VA and change their certificate, he comment was:

Tell them they shouldn't be afraid. We'll help. We'll change the the name on their certificates.

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Copyright © 1997-2005 by Denise L. Moss-Fritch. All rights reserved.
Revised: 10 Feb 2008 20:47:20 -0800.