I was born and raised in the area around Saginaw, Michigan. I'm the oldest of nine with four each of brothers and sisters. My sibs and I were raised in a rural setting and were isolated from contact with other kids until we were school age. Also, if I had been born female, I would have been a tomboy. The result was, I was unaware of any gender problems, at first. That changed when I started school, and by the time I graduated, it was obvious I didn't fit in at all. I tried to do guy stuff and even signed up with the Marines. That's where I met my life partner, Catherine. We have one daughter, Carolyn, who was born just a few months after Cathy was discharged from the Marines.
Her brother talked me into joining the Navy. Since one tour with the Navy would put me half way to the retirement mark, I decided to go for it. My gender problems were under control and buried deep in my psyche. Even so, little things would slip out now and then. I made it to retirement, such as it is. I've had a couple jobs since then. None of them have paid much. I'm unemployed right now, but I'm hoping something will turn up soon.
I came out to Cathy in March of '97' and she has been very supportive. We agreed I shouldn't tell Carolyn until August as she was getting married and under enough stress. When I finally did tell her, it was really anti-climatic. She has taken it better than anyone and our relationship since then has blossomed. We talk, shop, and even work out together.
UPDATE: May, 1998 This is long overdue... I've been living as a woman full time now for four months and on hormone therapy for six. I got frustrated with job hunting. The military left me ill prepared for finding work in the civilian sector. So, I've started school. I had to get permission from Employment security, so I could continue to draw my benefits. And I'm getting aid for my tuition and books. Hopefully, in a years time, I'll be able to find a job as a medical assistant. There are twenty of us in the class, and only one is a man. He's kind of cute but too old for me. I continue to reserve judgement as to whether I'm passing or my classmates are just really polite. I have found that I pass quite well these days. When I don't, well, I just ignore it and continue on. I have been included socially, more in this class, than at any time during my previous 14 years of school. I'm a lot more social now too. I used to avoid groups. Now I actually enjoy going out and mingling. Amazing, the things you can do when you're allowed to be yourself.
I enjoy watching any kind of racing, figure skating, and romantic comedies. I'm also a "furry" fan. My favorite "furry" artists are Lia "Tygger" Graf and Eric Schwartz. Click here to see some of Eric's work and here 
for his home page.
UPDATE: May, 1999
Time for another long overdue update. Wow! Time really flies! It doesn't seem like a year has passed. So much has happened, it's hard to pick a place to start.
I finished school in last month including an externship served at a local family practice clinic. I've had no problems with anyone. On my last day at the clinic they asked me if I'd like to work for them. I didn't have to think for a second before accepting. I've been there three weeks now and I'm making 50% more than any job I've had since retiring from the navy.
My social life has changed a lot too. I still make it to the BGG meetings regularly, but I have a circle of friends who are not gender challenged and I'm not out to them. I like being accepted as a woman on my own merit. I've also acquired some new friends through my boyfriend.
I should say fiance, not boyfriend, as we are planning on marrying. It just didn't work out between Cathy and me. We grew apart. We were still comfortable living together, but the closeness needed for a marriage just wasn't there any more. So we're getting a divorce and Andy and I are getting married.
I've known Andy for over a year but we just got together a few months ago. We were at a party and just "clicked". We've been a number ever since. His family doesn't approve of me and that hurts us both. His ex-wife and daughters have been the problem. My family hasn't said one way or the other. They've been all right with my transition, but marriage may be another story.
Well, that's enough for right now.
