💜💜 Jessica 💜💜

Four years ago today, on the beautiful Northern California coastline near Mendocino I carried a picnic dinner bundle towards a secluded spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean, followed by my long time partner, C, and our dog, Jade. Little did either realize I was carrying something else besides our meal ... something hidden deep inside that I had only just revealed to myself. It was here, looking over the view immortalized in the photo below, that I came out, hesitantly and with a lingering cloud of uncertainty that I "might be" a transgender woman. I recall little of what I said that day, I'm sure little of it made sense no matter how much I had agonized over it the preceding couple of weeks since realizing that truth myself. But I will always remember C's reaction ... taking in the news, allowing me to speak and then smiling, hugging me closely and assuring me that *we* would tackle this together. In the 1461 days since there have been a collection of ups and downs but the trajectory of my transition and my life has remained positive. C (and Jade) remain by my side and have been foundational allies and support in my transition. And as I've come out to others and met so many incredible friends in the community, I am graced by such support and love from so many. Thank you all. Four years ago I did one of the hardest things I could image, to speak words that could have destroyed my life and relationships, all for the possibility that I might have a life that more fit who I was and had always been. I took those steps, said those words, and have been rewarded in ways I could never have imagined. #TransJoy

Doing my best to start #TransgenderAwarenessWeek by being visible. I’m trans, I’m proud, and the misguided politics and misogynistic hate towards our community will not change that. Fuck off to anyone who feels they have a say in how I or anyone else lives their lives. Photo is from #SFCityHall from a wedding of two beautiful women who I adore and was so honored and happy to be present for them on their special day. Be safe, be strong and be yourselves.

I am astounded by the wonderful level of support I’m getting from my family and friends. Three and a half years ago I’d never have expected this. Transition was going to be an individual endeavor I thought … but it’s far more than that. I wouldn’t be here with so many friends walking the same path, often ahead of me but sometimes besides me. I hope I can be that type of friend to others on this journey. 💜