Whom Am I?

Someone used a word, which I am uncomfortable, in accepting for myself.

Why do your words

Feel so wrong

When describing me

And past events

From my life.

For I have not done

Anything special

Beyond living my life

In peace

Whenever possible.

How am I

Courageous

By stepping forth

And being honest

About myself?

Forced to face

The alternative of Death

Awaiting to embrace

Me.

Not sure

If my survivor's guilt

Is shouting this out.

Knowing

Too many people

Have died

From abuse.

Whether

Self-inflicted

Or by the hands

Of others.

Else

The trauma surrounding

Being trans.

Especially

Confronting a medical community

With many members

Openly hostile and transphobic.

Having been told

By a psychiatrist

That I suffer from

Justifiable paranoia.

When assaying

My mental health

After a suicide attempt

In November 2007.

Sadly

She was transphobic

In her attitude and behaviour

Towards me.

Author's Note

http://www.livescience.com/11208-high-suicide-risk-prejudice-plague-transgender-people.html

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

You know. I'm a married parent of two young men. I've always been heterosexual. I've always been a girl. I've never really wanted to be a man, but I don't get "transgender" phobia. You're still a human. Not like you're becoming a lion who will eat someones children. and ESPECIALLY if you're going to be in a field dedicated to helping others you should do just that. I'm sorry you were abused by someone who should have been there to help you. Your honesty is a gift though - I hope it helps others who are or may be facing similar situations. (hugs)

[therisa]

Thank you, Tammy, for your supportive and encouraging words. Never asked to be a spokesperson, for the cause, it found me.