UPDATE: Me and the World, Post #41

7-30-22

It has almost been 2 months since my last post.  Even though I have no regret in transitioning, I have been dealing with a lot of things; and I needed some time to process them. 

Besides dealing with and trying to recover from all of my seizure activity, I have been dealing with a major stressor since the beginning of this year. Because of pending criminal charges on someone who I once trusted, I have not been able to go public with this information until recently.  Like this blog, it has taken me a lot of courage to share this.  So, here it is: This past January, I was sexually battered by who I thought was a friend and fellow minister, which made me a transgender statistic.  Unfortunately, some people are not who they appear and some of us pay the price.  Not only did I carry all the emotions of shame, embarrassment, anxiety and much more, each monthly court date was an emotional roller coaster.  Fortunately, this person was recently convicted of failure to register as a sex offender and will be sentenced to prison and probation.  With this fight over, I can again focus on me, my family, and doing God's work.

On a positive note: It has been over a year since I have legally became my authentic self with my name and gender marker changed. Also, my wife and I are renewing our wedding vows this month to express our authentic love for who we are as a couple and who we are individually.  I am finally getting the opportunity to have a wedding of my dreams. For anyone to be able to share true love with someone as their soul mate is a true Blessing. 

NOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD REGARDING TRANSGENDER PEOPLE? 

Prior to transitioning, I was once advised to understand that it is normal for people to be afraid of what is different.  Little did I know the level of misunderstanding and hatred I would discover.

 - Perhaps the first discovery was people demonizing us. Proclaimed Christians hating us because they feel we are going against God. I am not interested in disrespecting any religion, but it would be nice if these people would learn Biblical history and what it means to be a Christian.  In other words, as a believer, it is not our job to persecute others, especially when we do not have all the facts. 

- Then what seems to be the second most common reason that we are mistreated is, some people choose to sexually pervert us with their fetishes and sexual appetites.  One example is what I shared earlier.  We are not a novelty, and most of us do not transition for sexual purposes.  I could talk about my sexual orientation and more, but my wife is the only person who has a right to know that information.  Because of my love and respect to her, I am not going to share any of that. 

- Now, what about politics?  This past year I have discovered so many examples of how political parties and activists have exploited us for their political gain. One can expect conservative parties to disagree with our existence; but when activists who are suppose to be supportive misrepresent us, it is very saddening. Even though I try hard not to dictate who is or who is not transgender, but when I see some people plain out mock us by dressing and pretending they are transgender, it is discouraging.  Being transgender is something I wish I was not; but some people choose/pretend to be transgender for attention.  This behavior only makes our lives more difficult. Personally, I believe the transgender community needs to define who we are and why we are who we are. I realize some people may not agree with me, but that is okay.

- What pains me the most is the cause and effect from others hating transgender people for no legitimate reason.  We are being harassed, assaulted, murdered, and many of us commit suicide because of all this. Imagine being hated without logical reasoning, but just for being different. 

Yes, it is human nature to be afraid of what is different, but please do not do it.  With a little education, we do not need to be afraid of each other.

Even though I am excited because of the direction my life is going, it hurts me on how others are being treated.  We can and should do better.  After all, we all have a right to live and pursue happiness.  

In the meantime, I love you All... Big Hugs,

Jade