About Being Transgender part 2

Monday, May 22, 2006

Upon recognition that they are transgender, the individual's responses are wide and varied and depend upon a host of variables. One important factor is employment. If she/he is self employed...well...this simplifies everything considerably. If not, then this can be a huge and oftentimes insurmountable obstacle. Some workplaces are amicable to transitioning on the job. Most are not. And...that does not even account for the decision to inform the employer, which can be psychologically and emotionally debilitating and something cannot be faced. In some cases, the transgender person just quits and looks for new employment where they are not known. This begs the question of finances. Some individuals are financially stable and can afford the cost of transition. Again, most cannot...their alternatives are an array of choices, none of which can be called "desirable". They can just keep on as they have been, living a "compartmentalized" existence. They can muddle by with a series of minimum wage "grunt" jobs. Many opt for prostitution, which is often accompanied by drug use. Unfortunately...some just cannot cope with the despair and hopelessness they see before them as what they can reasonably expect for the remainder of their lives and they opt for the "final choice".

Of course...it goes without saying that financial stability is conducive, perhaps vital, to survival and that all elusive state of happiness. The other options are bleak and it takes an extremely strong individual to hold out and hold on to a glimmer of optimism. I have always been a survivor and have been very lucky to have developed a few survival skills that have allowed me to maintain that hope. Nonetheless...because I fall into this second of "not financially sound" transgender individuals...I will admit to having had bleak periods where I considered that final step. I was lucky...not much more I can say...

More to follow...

trickster108