My Trans Experience

I was in the men’s restroom washing my hands at the Dairy Market in Charlottesville last week when I realized the person next to me was someone who appeared to be going through the transition from ”male” features to “female“ features. The person had on a dress, had breasts and had other features that were masculine.

(I’ll admit that I had difficulty writing that paragraph. My choice of words initially reflected binary thinking.)

I admit I was surprised. That’s the first time it has happened. I was curious why I had that reaction. Two people washing their hands in a restroom. Sounds pretty normal, right?

Changing our thoughts and behaviors is hard. I learned from my experience that a person is a person and each person deserves respect.

I wish I had been more aware earlier In my life. I could have helped my kids understand how important it is to not project onto others. That some kids have two moms or two dads just like some kids have a mom and a dad. (I guess I should have capitalized those — oops). Instead, my kids have taught me. I’m very lucky to have three great and wonderful kids.

I feel for teachers who deal with early elementary school kids, especially if some of their kids come from “non traditional” families. Second and third grade (heck maybe even first graders?) kids can be wicked (not in the Boston way) when they perceive one of their classmates is “different.”

I am not making a political statement here. I’m just sharing an experience and how I responded to it.