Thanks Ladies!

[Kyra]

Hi Everyone!

Yeah, I've been away from the Forum for a while. Nothing bad kept me away, just life in general. I've been busy, plain and simple.

I've been an active member of the local Tri-Ess chapter, since joining 4 1/2 years ago. I took a position on the board there and it's a challenge sometimes. I look back and am amazed at how far I've come.

In early 2004 I came out to my wife. I was timid and scared of my own shadow. I was nervous about walking out of my bedroom en-femme. Today, my children know and support me. I'm active in the community. I've presented at three different Universities. I go shopping, out to eat, movies and shows. I guess you could say that I've come into my own.

Yes, I guess I'm bragging a bit here. But I say this to show everyone what's possible. At the turn of the century, I'd have never thought twice about leaving my bedroom with a wig, skirt and high heels on. Yet here, today, I do quite often.

I great deal of my confidence has its roots in this Forum. In the Outreach presentations I have given, I tell "my story". I always mention the Forum as a turning point for me. For it was here that I realized, "I'm not alone." and "If others can do it, why not me?"

Oh, darn. I've gotta go. I'll finish later, I promise.
But THANK YOU, ladies!!
THANK YOU Shannon and Sharon!
THANK YOU to ALL the ladies on this little "Oasis of Sanity". The support and aid you've given me over the years has truly allowed me to flourish.

Hugs to all. I love you!


Kyra

[Carol Ann]

You have come a long ways since New Orleans, I am proud of you. Follow your dreams hon.

[CJ]

Hey there, Kyra!

It's great to hear from you. (Yeah, this ol' fossil is still here, believe it or not!)

A few years ago, you gave me the opportunity to be "the memory of Kyra" by sending you back a couple of photos of yourself that you'd deleted following a purge. It was an honour and a privilege for me to be able to do that for you. Especially given the fact that you looked stunning in Amber's Chinese silk dress.

I'm very glad to see that you're out and about and proud. Though not really in the closet, I tend to work from the shadows a bit more. Takes all kinds, I guess.

Be well, sis. You do us all a good turn by just being who you are.

Love,
CJ

[Virginia]

Love ya, Kyra,

Still going to "Tracks?"

Your self-acceptance should be an inspiration to other girls here.

What is it that that redneck, comedian says, "Get 'er done!"

Proud to call you my girlfriend!

Love,

Virginia

[Stephanie_Gael]

Congratulations, Kyra.
Its great that the support you received here helped you in 'coming out'.

Speaking personally, I can't think I'll be able to 'come out' as publicly as you: I'm 6'3" in my stockinged feet, and I love my 4" heels, so I'm sure I'd stick out like a sore thumb!

[Kyra]

Stephanie,
It's not so much what you look like on the outside...it's the inner beauty that counts!

Hi Virginia,
Sadly no, I haven't been to Tracks in quite some time. Not because I don't wanna go! I'm still a "twenty something" chick at heart. But, alas, there are priorities in life. (sigh) Nightclubs are just not high enough on the list.

CJ,
Indeed, I remember the "Last purge I'll ever do". Thank you so much for holding on to those pics. What frustrates me to no end, is I've tried and tried, but still can't find another outfit like that Peacock green set. I loved it soooooooo much! (pout) Oh well, I'll just have to keep shopping until I find one. Oh, BTW - I still have the Chinese dress. It was Amber's. I haven't thought of wearing it in quite some time. Hmm, methinks it's time to get the camera out. Maybe a then and now set, eh?

Carol Ann,
Hey sis, WE have come a long way!

I've got to go back to Louisiana soon, and I've been mulling over the idea of travelling en-femme. I know several who have done so. I'm not too worried about security and the Airlines. The only down-side I can think of is having to take extra luggage. I'll definitely need a new outfit, too.

Hugs,
Kyra

[JoAnnDallas]

I know how you feel. I came out to my wife in 2005. I joined Tri-Ess in 2006 and even my wife is now a SO member of my Tri-Ess chapter. Since then we go out together with me fully dressed. She has really helped me with my outfits, presentation, makeup, and etc. I also go out by myself fully dressed. So far I have had no negative reactions when I am out dressed. I have used the ladies restroom, changing rooms, and always been addressed as a female. The one time that I had to out myself was when I had to show some ID at Walmart one day. This confused the lady behind the counter for a few minutes until it was like a light bulb lite over her head and then she got real chatty. LOL
Up till 2005, I was real scared of going out dressed. I was sure that people would know right off the bat, stare at me, point at me, and make rude comments. I now know that most people don't seem to care or don't notice. I have even been hit on by an older gentleman until made sure he notice the gold band on my finger. LOL I told my wife about it later and she just looked at me then rolled her eyes and laugh. she asked me if the guy was blind and I said No he was not, which made her start laughing all over again.

[Anita]

Hi Kyra---
It's good to see a post from you, and especially one that's so upbeat. I doubt that I'll ever advise anyone to do what I've done, but here on the forum I don't have to think about that. There are people here who make the same choices as I do because they need to do it that way, and nothing else is going to work.

So your post will make a difference to someone here, because they're facing choices and they see that someone made similar ones in the past.
They can also see that the "someone" is here to say that it can work.

[Absaroka]

Kyra thanks for a nice post.

Zari

[Elizabeth]

Hi Kyra,

Good to see you in your current state.

I great deal of my confidence has its roots in this Forum. In the Outreach presentations I have given, I tell "my story". I always mention the Forum as a turning point for me. For it was here that I realized, "I'm not alone." and "If others can do it, why not me?"

Kyra

I can so relate to what you said there. Well done.

Love always,
Elizabeth