Ask a trans person!

[Jaques]

Originally Posted by theoddz

I have my old photos and I keep them. I don't think I show them to other people more or less than anyone else probably shows their old photos to others. I don't live my life, necessarily, in "stealth" mode, but that's because it's really not an issue, for the most part. I don't bring up the fact that I'm trans, as a general policy, and most people don't notice it and/or bring it up, in the course of everyday living. I guess I'm just not that uptight about it, for lack of a better word.

I am not hesitant to reveal or desirous of hiding my former (female-bodied) life. I am extremely proud of the fact that I served as a Woman Marine, and one of my pictures from that period in my life is displayed here in my gallery, as are several other pics from various times in my life, as well as a more recent picture. Like I said, it's just not that much of an issue. It is what it is. I think that only once....and it's been very recently, has anyone ever asked me what my previous (female) given name was, and I refused to answer. I figure it's none of anyone's business what that was and is totally irrelevent now.

I think everyone is different, for the most part. I lived most of my 51 years in my birth-assigned gender, and I'm not ashamed or wanting to hide that. It's in my past but is something I take with me.....a part of who I am. Sometimes it is the better part of me. It makes me a better man. Everyone is different, however, and I'm sure there are many other transfolk out there who feel differently than I do. That's what makes us unique, as human beings.

~Theo~

i feel pretty much the same, i dont live stealth either, but if anyone wants to know i have no problem with that, im older than you, came out in the late 90's and transitioned 6 yrs ago - is it an age thing - i.e. as we get older and have lived most of our life in our birth gender,seen and been through a lot in life - it can seem less important than maybe to a younger person?

[Joe Mario]

Interesting topic, fellahs. My stealth/ out status is tricky due to my occupation. As a professional working in an office with
(non-pro) office staff involving servicing the (general) public, I don't want my status known there primarily for the (obvious) safety reasons. The idea doesn't make me feel safe and it's, as Theo said; 'none of anyone's business'.


This could change if the public could see the value in our unique perspective. A cis-gendered bio-male could never, ever have our insight or perspective. Ever. How we see ourselves first comes from us as a community, then it projects outward to the mainstream public. Thankfully there are single individuals out there helping us along. We still have a long way to go, but I am full of hope.


I was 46 when I decided to do this. My adult life has been in the LGBTQ social culture where I am out. Having achieved most things I am proud of before transitioning, I don't wish at all to 'erase' that part of my life. In fact, achieving them in a non-transitioned, non-cisgendered state makes me feel like a super dude among men, so I am definitely keeping the photos!

Am still balancing out how I feel completely about the whole stealth/ out issue. Permissions with my family's friends can be tricky, but am out with LGBTQ Communities. People come in all sorts and rub us all differently and my status is MY very personal business. Ultimately, I feel like the default for disclosure should be my choice.

[Liam]

Originally Posted by Jaques

i feel pretty much the same, i dont live stealth either, but if anyone wants to know i have no problem with that, im older than you, came out in the late 90's and transitioned 6 yrs ago - is it an age thing - i.e. as we get older and have lived most of our life in our birth gender,seen and been through a lot in life - it can seem less important than maybe to a younger person?

I'm not sure that it is an age thing, since I have photographs older than Theo.