Yesterday I made the 330 mile round trip to Amarillo VA. Lots of questions from the nurses all things transgender and how I got my name. I explained, four hundred years ago Barbie was a boy’s name in Germany. Today it is considered a girl’s name. Kinda like the story of my life. They were all really nice. I pray a few more understand we are human and not monsters after they had a chance to talk and visit with me. Barbie isn't what is on my military records, it is what everyone called me. Hopefully I dispelled a lot of the MSM and tabloid lies and misinformation. The situation was such I was dressed in jeans and blouse, sneakers as I was in one of those ridiculous hospital gowns ASAP after I arrived.
Turned around and went back again today. Different doctors, different situations. The floor length tan suede skirt has extra panels sewn into the lower one third. For those who are old enough, pants with the inverse pleat in the bottom quarter of the legs. (I wore them in the 70s, Fredericks of Hollywood) The effect while walking is amazing as the skirt wraps around each leg and then flares out as the other leg is brought forward. White silk blouse, tan suede vest. Tan cowgirl boots with a three inch heel, naturally, black felt cowboy hat, jewelry, and a little makeup.
"I love your outfit." was one of dozens of really nice compliments while I was in the VA. They continued when I went into the grocery store and the lumberyard. Everyone was super helpful. And no I didn't think it was condescending when I was addressed as "darling", "honey" "sugar".
I pray all of those such as myself when out in public put their best attitude and their best look forward whether out of the closet or still in it. We are the ones to provide a better understanding for those like ourselves. To provide a smoother path for all those behind us who have been placed in the boy-girl gender blender whether they live their life as it has been handed to them or they make a full transition. If you're like me it hasn't been easy. I'm praying what I have done and what I do in the future makes it a little easier for those who follow. I left a note with the VA director thanking him for letting me be me. I asked several months back if it was all right for more than jeans and a blouse and was given approval. The gov and VA doesn't owe me a thing. This is my nation despite who is leading it, I did a job. If I'm offered benefits for doing that job, I'm not so stupid I'm going to turn them down, I'm thankful they are there. I'm there as their guest. I want to make it easier, smoother if any others are out there and follow me to the VA. So far I'm the only one at Amarillo. I want to be a polite guest so they will keep on inviting me back. Thus I asked if it was okay to be me.
Some battles are won with a soft voice, perfume and skirts.
Hugs People
Barb
Life is a gift, treasure it