You are so much wiser than I. Took me lots of wasted years to accept I was never going to be good enough for my mother. 💙 this essay - your writing is so honest and clear with a light sprinkling of wry humor. 💙👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I had a Craigslist house-share roommate one summer in the late ‘90s who was just beginning to live as an out trans woman—except around her parents. Any time she was going to see them, she would have to “roll back” her identity in terms of hairstyle, clothing, makeup, and even her voice. It seemed like torture. A few years later I saw her in public and almost called her [female] name before realizing she was dressed in men’s clothing and walking with two old folks who were presumably the parents I’d never met. (We’d all gone our separate ways after the summer rental.) I felt so sad for her. I hope she eventually found her way to the place where you are 🙏
You’re a gift to this world and I’ve known that since I began following you close to 11 years ago. Thank you for shining your brilliant light on the world and for showing up as YOU every day. If you want a mom, I’m here.
What a poignant story. Beautifully written. I hope this somehow reaches your father - perhaps he could begin to realize how fortunate he is to have a daughter like you. I know that’s probably a pipe dream, but one can hope…. Thank you Charlotte.
My fervent wish for the world is that it be populated with Charlottes. ❤️
You are so much wiser than I. Took me lots of wasted years to accept I was never going to be good enough for my mother. 💙 this essay - your writing is so honest and clear with a light sprinkling of wry humor. 💙👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
We really can never guess from whence our clarity comes! I appreciate you sharing your story, as well as your generosity to your dad.
I had a Craigslist house-share roommate one summer in the late ‘90s who was just beginning to live as an out trans woman—except around her parents. Any time she was going to see them, she would have to “roll back” her identity in terms of hairstyle, clothing, makeup, and even her voice. It seemed like torture. A few years later I saw her in public and almost called her [female] name before realizing she was dressed in men’s clothing and walking with two old folks who were presumably the parents I’d never met. (We’d all gone our separate ways after the summer rental.) I felt so sad for her. I hope she eventually found her way to the place where you are 🙏
My dear wonderful Charlotte,
You’re a gift to this world and I’ve known that since I began following you close to 11 years ago. Thank you for shining your brilliant light on the world and for showing up as YOU every day. If you want a mom, I’m here.
Rena
Me too! & we all know it’s OK to have Two Mommies.
What a poignant story. Beautifully written. I hope this somehow reaches your father - perhaps he could begin to realize how fortunate he is to have a daughter like you. I know that’s probably a pipe dream, but one can hope…. Thank you Charlotte.
This made me smile. You figured out earlier than I that pleasing your parents was highly overrated. Truly a gift.
Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you!