Lilly,
We are right there with you. A bit sorry to hear of
the difficult struggle and happy to hear that you have resolved the
important decision. Let us know if there is anything we can do to
help. Meanwhile, we will practice welcoming a new niece into our family
and we look forward to having a new admiration for that long blonde
hair.
with love and hugs,
Aunt M and Uncle J
Lilly,
Thank you for having the courage to share your experience
with all of us. We love you and support you. I'm happy for you that
you are doing what you need to do to be happy.
This email is very eloquently written, and really explains
what it means to be in transition, thank you for putting so much thought
into it.
It'll take me some time to get used to your new 'name'
and of course, new identity, but I'm excited to be a part of the process.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Love you,
L
Well, that was a little surprising. We were impressed
with your nail polish last summer, but we just figured that you were
goofing around. We're glad for you and totally support you. Hope all
is well and let us know if there is anything that we can do.
Love
D, A, E and L.
P.S., Can't wait to see the family news letter at Christmas
time ;-)
Dear Lilly,
I'm glad to welcome my new neice. It must be such a relief to have
come to this point in your journey. I can't imagine how hard the struggle
has been. Luckily you were born into a warm and loving family who
will grow right along with you. I look forward to getting to know
the real you.
Love,
E
Lilly,
Ever thought about being a writer? Your email was ridiculously
well written. Anyway my mom called after the big family dinner and
told me and my dad about everything. I asked her a bunch of questions
and between her answers and your email, I think I'm pretty clear about
everything. I think it's important for you to know that family is
family is family and you got my support.
Also, just to explain something about myself, I'm big
on information and I like to fully understand things so I think about
them more clearly. I'm just telling you this because I'll probably
ask a bunch of questions in the coming months/years and I don't want
you to think it's disrespectful or anything, it's just how I am. Let
me know if anything is inappropriate. Having said that, I have three
questions:
1. Was there a catalyst in April 2006 that made you
decide to start transitioning? If so, then what?
2. The pamphlet you attached (very helpful btw) says that one's identity,
not one's physical status determines their sexual orientation, true
for you?
3. This question was actually asked by my dad, and I realized I couldn't
give a satisfactory explanation, so it became a question for both
of us: you mentioned the importance of using Lilly and female pronouns
because otherwise it might "out" you. We were just wondering
about what the "out" means. Bear in mind, we're not questioning
or undermining the importance of your name and pronouns, we will use
them, just confused about the "out."
I'm glad you're being realistic and matter of fact about
this, this is rather shocking change, and definitely something I've
never encountered on a personal level, however I feel pretty clear
about it so far, and suprisingly comfortable. I admire your courage
and self-assuredness.
J
PS This is sort of unrelated, but make sure you stop
by my place in Boston sometime.
PPS haha one more question, I saw you fairly recently and your voice
sounded the same, is that gonna change?