Unwaivering

       Yesterday, I went on a day trip with my brother. He had recently had pneumonia and took the doctor's suggestion that he quit driving trucks for a living as an order to quit. So, he needed to make a 6 hour round trip to retreive his personal belongings from the truck he used to drive. I went with him to help him in order to lend a hand to the only family member who has had anything to do with me since I began my transition journey.      On our way back home, we made a stop for fuel at a travel center. I wanted a cup of coffee, but I was fearful of what attitude I might run into if I went inside the convenience store. I realized that I would have to make this choice over and over again for the rest of my life and that if I let myself give in to fear, it would be harder to overcome the next time. I screwed up enough nerve, and I went inside to get that cup of coffee.      I got a few sidelong glances, but no one said anything t...

      For as long as I can remember, I've had social anxieties.  I conveniently also happen to be an adrenaline junky.  This unique combination has helped me to enjoy a couple of occasions in which I successfully conducted public speeches.  This is something that I, as a trans advocate would love to be able to do more of.  It would be a dream come true to speak at a Pride rally.  However, ultimately, I would love to have the opportunity to address Congress, or even the Supreme Court on behalf of the trans community.     I recently enlisted Artificial Intelligence to create a possible scripted speech.  The result was pretty good, but it just wasn't "ME" enough.  So, I did a little embellishment.  The following is what I was able to come up with:     (Formal greeting, depending on the occasion)     " My name is Ronnie Lee.  I'm a trans woman from rural Kansas - and I'm here to tell you that visibilit...

    Author's Note:  I write this not to convince, but to witness.  My journey is one of faith, truth and healing - and I share it in hopes that others may find peace, as well.      It's not easy to be a Christian.  It's also not easy being transgender.  Now, imagine being both... in a world where you're constantly being told that isn't possible.  Telling someone that they can't be a Christian and be trans, simultaneously, doesn't limit the trans believer.  It puts the limitation on God!     After I came out as trans, I began receiving links in my inbox leading me to videos in which pastors were excoriating trans women for their confusion, and for turning away from God.  I also received what amounted to prayers for God to lead me back into the fold.  But, I had never left the fold!     When I started coming out, the first person I had to come out to was myself.  I was stunned!  How did I not kn...

      (Written with the assistance of AI)      For approximately sixteen months, I've been on HRT.  For nearly that entire time, I have had little to no interest in sex.  Recently, an event took place that I'll not go into, which deeply moved me and made me look for an answer.  So, this morning, I took to AI to find an answer.  I informed that I had been a sex addict before beginning HRT, but I now am completely disinterested in it.  I also informed that regardless of what's happening, I don't even experience sexual sensations.  I then asked what's going on.  Here's what AI came up with:     " What you’re describing is actually a common experience for many trans women on HRT, and it’s deeply tied to the complex interplay between hormones, neurological pathways, and emotional shifts. Let’s break it down a bit: 🧠 What Might Be Happening Physically and Neurologically Reduced Testosterone = Reduced Libido Testo...

    (Written with the assistance of AI)      I used to believe God lived in pulpits. In the polished sermons and the praise songs that never quite spoke to my experience. I was taught to seek Him in the scriptures handed to me with filtered interpretations, delivered by men who feared difference more than sin itself.      But then I came out...      I came out as trans. As queer. As the kind of soul people warn their children about in church basements and youth groups. And I started to question whether the God they worshipped even knew my name.  I believed myself to be unworthy of His divine love.  My heart was broken; my spirit crushed.   "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."  Psalms 34:18      That’s when I found Him.      Not in the sanctuaries, but in the silence after rejection. In the prayers spoken by trembling hands. In the fierce l...