You have a very valid point: acceptance and education seem to be gaining momentum lately; perhaps we will see change in ten years or so. :3
We pass on our beliefs to our generation and hope that they grow an adapt. My mother always taught me to have an open mind and I decided quite young that just about everyone gets a fair chance in my eyes. I hate conflict. If I have children, I'll try to pass on my same worldly views to them.
It's wonderful that your mother taught you that. :3 It is important to help other people understand the value of a view like that.
Let's not forget that today is International Transgender Day of Remembrance. I'll be lighting a candle later to honour all we've lost to hatred and ignorance. "Those who can not remember the past are doomed to repeat it." -George Santayana
I just wonder how many people actually know that. So far, I've yet to see anything on the local news about the matter.
Wow, thank you so much for pointing that out; I really appreciate it. Today is a very important day for everybody who is part of the "T" community. My gender therapist sent me this image today, so I will share it with everyone here. I am showing a shrunken version of the image; you can view the full-sized one by clicking on the image: Thank you so much again for honoring this day. The support from this community has been amazing. Thank you so much for this! My boyfriend wasn't even aware of it until I told him just now. As I said before, I don't think we have enough of a voice to make an impact with something like this.
Sorry to bump my thread like this, but I have a question for everybody: As you're all aware, I have "Matty" as my chosen first name. When I first chose it, I wanted something close to my original first name because I really liked it. However, I'm finding that the name "Matty" when written out provokes people to still refer to me as male. I'm wondering if I shouldn't change the full version of the name and keep "Matty" as the short form. I've been playing around with the idea of using "Madeline" as my full first name. This is going to be a big deal because I am going to fill out my legal name change paperwork soon and I want to make this decision. Since this community is so supportive, I felt I should get your opinions on this matter.
Do what you feel is right-o. That is to say, I don't think we should make that decision for you. You should decide who you want to be. Go with what ya want. I'm sure we'll support ya either way.
Oh, I'm not looking for you all to make a decision for me. I want to know what people may have to say about it and from there I will make my decision. I tend to like to hear feedback and thoughts when I make any big decision. ^^; Thank you so much for the support, by the way.
Wonderful! Thank you so much for your input. Does anybody else have input as well? My ears are wide open. :3
Well, I'm all for changing your name to something you think is more appropriate. If you're looking for suggestions, how about something like Matilda?
I thought about "Matilda," but I wasn't sure if I liked that one. I thought "Madeline" worked better myself. Were you thinking "Matilda" was better than "Madeline?"
I think Madeline is a lovely name and it lends itself to being shortened to Maddy instead of Matty, which has a more feminine connotation, at least in my mind. I've known too many boys who use the name Matty, which is probably the case with people you're interacting with who just make the male assumption. Whatever your choice, the legal name change is a big deal and I'm excited that it's close for you!
Thank you so much for your opinion! Also: yes, I'm very excited to fill out the paperwork and get the process started.
No, Matilda was just the first name that came to mind - probably because it's the name of a character in a story I'm writing. Madeline's probably better, though. Think I like that one a more.
Well, all I can offer is this; Have you heard the saying: 'Trust in your heart, scarce shall it lead you wrong?' I believe there is more merit in that Saying than lends itself at first. I am sorry I cannot offer more in that sense, But remember this, If trouble occurs, we're always here to help You stay the course that's best.
