@PaganMother

I really want to see the normalization of gender exploration. At any age. Even if someone decides they're cis, they should feel free to explore feelings about their gender that don't quite fit. Or to see what it feels like to live as a nonbinary or trans person.

(Same for sexuality.)

And yes, if someone shares a truth about themselves--especially if it's something that's not widely accepted--they are being vulnerable and showing their trust. Cherish that.

@tyghebright This... 💜
Only place I felt comfortable speaking my truth was here a few years back. Received the most wonderful welcome 😊
But then I had to delete the post because I invited a co-worker to join and had to go back into hiding.

@PaganMother

@PurpleDragon @tyghebright I am sorry that you had to go back into hiding. I understand how uncomfortable it can be to deal with intolerance in the workspace. You're safe here with us.

@PaganMother @tyghebright 🤗 the person didn't really show up so I changed my pronouns to they/them 💜
This place is the best

@tyghebright @PaganMother 🖤

I wish I'd been as insightful when I was younger as you are.

@AskTheDevil @PaganMother

Oh, man... I didn't figure out I was trans until I was in my mid-40s.

I'd thought about it a few times, starting in college, but it didn't really click. The thing that did it, really, was a haircut and a business trip. I got my hair cut short--and then had to travel for work in the winter... so I was wearing a coat, dress shirt, and chinos. *Every* person I encountered called me sir. And it felt so right.

@mims Thank you, mims. For a lot of us, it's actually a kind of a scary time to even exist. Some of us mask to just preserve our existence behind closed doors.

@PaganMother At this point (until our general society becomes completely allowing with no strings attached, the most important thing is to stay safe. Decade ago, I was once scared of the whole same sex concept let alone trans! Now, and for many many years now I know that what you are is what you are, love is love and WTH, we all get to be who we really are. Love and light to you. ✨✨✨

@mims Love and light to you too Mims! I suppose the greater problem we have to look at is creating safe spaces where people can just be who they are to talk about these issues and work together for change. I've written three letters to my state Governor about some of the anti-trans legislation and every single time she's responded. I have to admit I never expected to hear back from her, but she's shown me that she's standing up for all of us and our voices are heard.

@PaganMother Glad to hear that! May I ask what state? / what Governor? If that is ok.

@mims Governor whitmer of Michigan.

@PaganMother OH YAY she is the BOMB! I LOVE her! I wonder what is next on her plate since isn't she up against a term limit? and WHO can fill those shoes?????

@mims She actually won the most recent election. I do believe that she is probably going to be in office for as long as she can because the changes she's enacted ever since she got into office had been hugely beneficial for the entire State and an example that other states should actually follow.

@mims My last letter to her I drew her attention to the hate groups that are organized here in Michigan and the need to find a way to dismantle them or reject their ideals from being presented as law in this state and country. I told her one of the many reasons that people don't feel safe in this state is because these groups still exist.

@PaganMother Understood, that's the issue everywhere for now, but I know that we're shifting to a more compassionate state of mind across the country & the world/ but it will still be decades, I believe. At least we're moving in the right direction. It is the youngers that will make the biggest difference. The creepy olders that hold that ICK opinion will have to actually DIE out to allow attrition / to make room for the positive change that we want. I'm sad to say that but that's my intuition.

@mims I know, it's one of the reasons why when I see younger folks that are lined up for representative offices and other positions in the political field. I do my research on them to see where their views lie and what they represent. I try to vote for the younger ones that actually fit for a more inclusive future.

@PaganMother No matter what, the youngers will take charge, and the way I see it more of them see the world as - live and let live - than the ignorant faith based hatred spurred on by those brought up soaked in that shite. The youngers (mostly) think for themselves. And yes, research is still required on a person by person basis for those who would run for any office - dogcatcher on up.