I have fought my entire life to just exist. I survived the darkest of thoughts in my youth during the late ’70s. I faced my fears and possible loss of everything I valued during the late 2010’s. On October 11th 2024, I underwent vaginoplasty surgery. My fight, I thought, would draw to a close. My body finally in the same frame as I have always seen myself. I was winning. The fight was supposed to get easier. Then a political party took power of this country not through promises of a better future but through promises of retribution. Retribution on those who are fighting their own separate but same battles.
Many transgender folx are socially aware and active in assisting any like ourselves in their fight. I have been and am one of these people. I have volunteered with various organizations. I have given my time, and my safety to continue helping my siblings in their fight to just exist. I have given of myself when I had nothing to give. Often times I received enough streght and inspiration to continue surviving when I didn’t know how to press forward.
I am feeling more content, no make that, happy and overjoyed in my body’s ability to meet the vision I hold in my mind of the woman I knew I could be. I have, for a while now, stepped away from the public fight. The organizations and people I help have had challenges. Our country, also, faces unprecedented challenges. I fear that hatred has taken hold of nearly every facet of life in the u.s. This hatred attacks without care or compassion for any being. It attacks those who are seeking to exist in their joy. These things weigh heavy on my heart, my being, and my very existence.
I would like those whom I love to know that while I may seem distant or no longer active in the fight. I am choosing to exist in my joy while I can. I am finally exploring who I am physically and sexually in a body that is truly mine & me. I fear that I may never have another opportunity to experience these simple things in life as I was always meant to, as me.
I am simply just Being Dana.