While enjoying three days and two nights at a retreat for female veterans, I was afforded multiple opportunities to confront various issues that I had allowed to become barriers to my personal growth and development on many fronts. Most of the therapy was delivered through what appeared to be a series of not entirely uncomfortable, … Continue reading To Live
Author: Amanda L. Grimes
The Challenge of Passing
Not everyone who identifies as transgender desires to fully transition genders. Some are content to embrace self-recognition and self-acceptance while continuing to live in the gender assigned them at birth. Others prefer to present themselves publicly in the most androgynous way possible, not willing to conform to gender presentation stereotypes. But for those who know … Continue reading The Challenge of Passing
Strength to Fight
Fighting any battle can be terribly exhausting to all parties involved. Even those who are not active participants, but exposed to the fight for prolonged periods can be wearied to the point of giving up, separating themselves from the view of the battlefield and blocking out any information about the progress of the ensuing conflict. … Continue reading Strength to Fight
Transgender Women Are Women
Yesterday was International Women’s Day. It should have been a day to celebrate women the world over, and thankfully, it was. But while some were taking the time to reflect on the contributions of women, from notable ladies who have achieved renown success in a wide variety of ways to those we call Mom, who … Continue reading Transgender Women Are Women
Adjusting to the New You
Transitioning genders is a tremendously intensive process that does not work like flipping a light switch. It is not as easy as trading all of your skirts and dresses for jeans, or turning in your suit and tie for a cocktail dress. There are a lot of changes taking place, many of which are occurring … Continue reading Adjusting to the New You
Overcoming Depression During Transition
I have yet to meet a transgender individual, young or old, male or female, who has managed to escape experiencing some form of depression that was directly related to his or her transition. It happens – it is common. There are so many reasons that transgender individuals experience depression while transitioning. It might be because … Continue reading Overcoming Depression During Transition
On Bravery
Many moons ago, far more than I wish to admit on most days, my hunger for watching war films was insatiable. My preference rested on films set during World War II; however, most any war story was capable of appeasing my ferocious