Orange.

Score one for Google.

• Question: About your post about religion and the trans community, the Unitarian Universalist Church is great option. It's not strictly religious so much as spiritual. At my church there are Christians (not my thing, but if that's an aspect of religion that you miss, then it's an option), there are atheists, Jews, Buddhists, agnostics... And of course there are ftm, mtf, genderqueer, and agender people here. LGBT friendly in general, not just "tolerant" but loving and actively supportive. Just fyi. Thanks! - Anonymous
• Answer:

  Thank you! I appreciate you helping me out. (: I’ll see if there is one where I’m from.

um, no.

Terrific Rebel Ever Victorious Over Reality

(I don’t know.)

Every night I either write or practice my slam poetry for a while. Some nights I’ll actually get dressed up (tie and all) and practice lowering my voice (It’s kind of weird, but there is no comparison to the feeling I get seeing myself in the mirror as a man. I don’t think drugs could do better.). Before bed, I read a chapter of a book. When I finally get into my pajamas, I’m calm enough that getting undressed isn’t as bad as it usually is. That last hour before I fall asleep is when I feel the most comfortable with myself.

In regards to my transition:

- legal name change

- come out at work

- start gender therapy so I can get on hormones as soon as possible

- top surgery (also as soon as possible)

Aside from my transition:

- university studying Psychology

- trip to Toronto with my uncle (for gay pride)

I don’t think I could answer questions for a stranger I find on the street or anything. But I do enjoy educating people. I don’t mind questions as much as other trans people do. The question about what “parts” I have doesn’t even bother me. I know a lot of trans people have a problem with that question, but if a friend asks that and sincerely wants to understand I don’t mind answering it. As long as the person is trying to understand, I have no problem answering questions. If they’re just asking to be rude or nosy then that’s a different thing.

The only question I can’t stand is questions about my real name. Just that term they use - “real name” - drives me crazy. It’s like, “My real name is the name I want you to call me, damnit. Do you mean my birth name? You mean the name I have chosen to change? The name that I suffered through for 18 years when every time I had to say it I felt like a knife was being dragged against my throat?” Duh people. I changed my name because I hate my old one. So screw off.

I don’t go to a gender therapist yet. Actually, I just e-mailed one that offers free phone consultations and hopefully we can set one up so I know what my next steps are, once I move out.

My doctor is a douche. I’m in the process of finding a new doctor because I hate the one my parents’ took me to growing up. I wouldn’t even consider telling him my situation.

Tough question.

First of all, Ellen DeGeneres. I know it’s stereotypical but she was the first gay person I knew of. When I was questioning my sexuality, I used to stay up nights and watch her old sit coms on YouTube on my iPod. I adored her.

Next, Miles Walser. He’s a slam poet (I quote him a lot here) and I think he’s one of the best out there right now. I also aspire to be a slam poet so he’s a big role model in that way. The fact that he’s trans too makes his poetry mean that much more to me.

Third would have to be Dan Savage. His “It Gets Better” project is amazing, and the videos on the site have helped me through some tough times with my parents and their religion.

As a side note, I want to mention Tegan & Sara. They are one of my favorite musicians, hands down. Their music is fantastic, and they’re from my city.