I have only joined this forum about a week ago @_Nightfall_ and only seen a couple of your posts, but I would like to say something anyway.
First, I am very sorry for what happened to you. It is a terrible thing if those people who should have loved you the most have treated you the worst. I can't imagine how a family, and a society, can treat someone this way and how it must have been for you.
Second, it takes great courage to share your story. People MUST hear the truth, if someone is ready to tell it. Maybe people will think twice about how they treat a colleague who is different. Maybe someone will read that and remember it when his or her son wants to wear a dress, and respect that choice. Maybe some people will stop trying to "fix" people who are not like them and notice how damaging and destructive this is.
You obviously have grown to be a strong person, and I respect you very much for sharing your story. I hope that by you telling yours and others their similar stories (and there are many, many out there) something will slowly change. I hope that experiences like your childhood will become something as unimaginable as, for example, witch burnings, for the following generations.
you have more then acceptance and support, you have our esteem, respect and admiration because... you deserve them
i am sure that many others join me in the big virtual hug that i am giving to you right now, as tears are running down of my cheek!
Too many people have tried to influence your life in their ways and according to their standards. The secret many people forget is that this is your life and you should live it any which way that you like such that it makes you happy.
Be well, feel well and live well, dear you.
@_Nightfall_ It's not rare that we judge ourselves more harshly than we do others, or that we praise others in ways we woulnd't praise ourselves. You say you aren't strong and apologize for giving that impression, I say you are wrong - you are strong.
Others have already said it all, but I just want to join the chorus of praise and say that I applaud your openness and you sharing with us. I grow from these stories as a person, I think I become better, more open and more accepting, more loving. Ignorance often comes from a lack of knowledge, so by providing this knowledge you help battle this ignorance.
Comments
For what its worth: we also like you just the way you are. The story and insight was a treat. Thanks
First, I am very sorry for what happened to you. It is a terrible thing if those people who should have loved you the most have treated you the worst. I can't imagine how a family, and a society, can treat someone this way and how it must have been for you.
Second, it takes great courage to share your story. People MUST hear the truth, if someone is ready to tell it. Maybe people will think twice about how they treat a colleague who is different. Maybe someone will read that and remember it when his or her son wants to wear a dress, and respect that choice. Maybe some people will stop trying to "fix" people who are not like them and notice how damaging and destructive this is.
You obviously have grown to be a strong person, and I respect you very much for sharing your story. I hope that by you telling yours and others their similar stories (and there are many, many out there) something will slowly change. I hope that experiences like your childhood will become something as unimaginable as, for example, witch burnings, for the following generations.
i am sure that many others join me in the big virtual hug that i am giving to you right now, as tears are running down of my cheek!
Be well, feel well and live well, dear you.
Others have already said it all, but I just want to join the chorus of praise and say that I applaud your openness and you sharing with us. I grow from these stories as a person, I think I become better, more open and more accepting, more loving. Ignorance often comes from a lack of knowledge, so by providing this knowledge you help battle this ignorance.