It seems a strange choice when every single transgender person I know, including myself, is either moving out of the UK,would like to move out of the UK, or has put together a 'go bag' for the eventuality that they cancel our passports.
And of course as of 2 days ago the NHS has all but closed its doors to transgender people.
You know what you said about the USSR, welcome to Airstrip 1.
It's a fair question, and I'm not going to pretend the UK is a comfortable place for us right now. But I'm not moving for the politics. I'm moving because in Cork I'd become a ghost, and in Manchester I felt alive and people knew me as Stevie. A safer country is not much use to me if I'm invisible in it.
And if it does turn into Airstrip One, at least I'll be in Mother Russia with a balcony.
The best line I'd say is "I've realised that I can love my children, leave the door open, and still get on with my life." So critical. I hit that a few times in life, thus why I've never stayed anywhere longer than 8 years ever. Learning what you really need is important. I'm very happy for you. The door is open if the kids choose to reach out, but you aren't torturing yourself over it anymore. That is healthy.
My last move was the hardest - leaving the place my wife dreamed of us living, the house she picked, the life I attempted to make work despite her dying. But damn. was it ever the right move. From a town of extreme racism where I can't imagine coming out as trans would've worked well, to one where neighbors support me. From a century home that had no shortage of issues (and mice) to one that is 20 years old and spacious. From no family near to my sister in town. I could go on (and have in the past). But this is in response to you, not me. This is the right time/right thing to do. I see a happier Stevie emerging who wonders why she waited so long (while knowing why).
I look forward to seeing photos of the place you settle in with all your stuff in it. Sadly a bit far for me to come help you move (an ocean is a bit much).
Leaving the house she chose, after losing her, must have been the hardest move of all, June. And it sounds like the right one: neighbours who back you, your sister in town, and no mice.
If there are photos of the new place, Chesterton will be in most of them.
Glad to hear that - you clearly love that dog. It's like how rarely I have photos without my kids - no idea how you survived that. 6 of my 7 grandchildren I don't get to see and it hurts - 3 are with an evangelical Christian who keeps in touch but won't let me be near them. The other 3 are with their paternal grandmother due to an assortment of ugly things, my daughter is trying to get them back, but that creature refuses to let anyone be near them from my family (she enjoys the cash you get via having kids here, and the control she has via them) and is poisoning their minds with transphobia right now. It'll be a long process to deprogram them once the court case is done (courts are painfully slow here unless you have lots of money).
Sigh. Back to positives - that new place will be a wonder I'm sure - I can see you doing floorplans and layouts already. Heck, I know I go nuts with those with each move.
Six of seven is an awful lot to carry, June, and none of it sounds like anything you did. I hope the court moves faster than courts usually do, and that your daughter gets them home.
Sounds very much like the right decision. All the very best to you! :)
Thank you. It took me far too long to see it, but yes, I think it is.
I will say hi if I see you in Manchester, I work in the city centre although I live in Leeds.
It seems a strange choice when every single transgender person I know, including myself, is either moving out of the UK,would like to move out of the UK, or has put together a 'go bag' for the eventuality that they cancel our passports.
And of course as of 2 days ago the NHS has all but closed its doors to transgender people.
You know what you said about the USSR, welcome to Airstrip 1.
It's a fair question, and I'm not going to pretend the UK is a comfortable place for us right now. But I'm not moving for the politics. I'm moving because in Cork I'd become a ghost, and in Manchester I felt alive and people knew me as Stevie. A safer country is not much use to me if I'm invisible in it.
And if it does turn into Airstrip One, at least I'll be in Mother Russia with a balcony.
The best line I'd say is "I've realised that I can love my children, leave the door open, and still get on with my life." So critical. I hit that a few times in life, thus why I've never stayed anywhere longer than 8 years ever. Learning what you really need is important. I'm very happy for you. The door is open if the kids choose to reach out, but you aren't torturing yourself over it anymore. That is healthy.
My last move was the hardest - leaving the place my wife dreamed of us living, the house she picked, the life I attempted to make work despite her dying. But damn. was it ever the right move. From a town of extreme racism where I can't imagine coming out as trans would've worked well, to one where neighbors support me. From a century home that had no shortage of issues (and mice) to one that is 20 years old and spacious. From no family near to my sister in town. I could go on (and have in the past). But this is in response to you, not me. This is the right time/right thing to do. I see a happier Stevie emerging who wonders why she waited so long (while knowing why).
I look forward to seeing photos of the place you settle in with all your stuff in it. Sadly a bit far for me to come help you move (an ocean is a bit much).
Leaving the house she chose, after losing her, must have been the hardest move of all, June. And it sounds like the right one: neighbours who back you, your sister in town, and no mice.
If there are photos of the new place, Chesterton will be in most of them.
Glad to hear that - you clearly love that dog. It's like how rarely I have photos without my kids - no idea how you survived that. 6 of my 7 grandchildren I don't get to see and it hurts - 3 are with an evangelical Christian who keeps in touch but won't let me be near them. The other 3 are with their paternal grandmother due to an assortment of ugly things, my daughter is trying to get them back, but that creature refuses to let anyone be near them from my family (she enjoys the cash you get via having kids here, and the control she has via them) and is poisoning their minds with transphobia right now. It'll be a long process to deprogram them once the court case is done (courts are painfully slow here unless you have lots of money).
Sigh. Back to positives - that new place will be a wonder I'm sure - I can see you doing floorplans and layouts already. Heck, I know I go nuts with those with each move.
Six of seven is an awful lot to carry, June, and none of it sounds like anything you did. I hope the court moves faster than courts usually do, and that your daughter gets them home.
I’m pleased for you babe
it’s hard to walk away from a life of decisions choices and memories
but it’s liberating as well
Enjoy take care hugs Hollie
Liberating is exactly the word, Hollie. Terrifying and liberating in roughly equal measure. Thank you x