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Thank you for giving words to those symptoms that I see playing out for my wife and I. Your power (for me) is in naming those physical symptoms and the accurately identifying the root cause. Our bodies are our barometer - you reminded me of this today. Please rest - we are all finding whatever means possible to let our bodies react to the true nature of these real situations. The right next step will present itself.

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Thank you, Jules. "The next right step..." Yes. That's what I'm keeping my eyes open for. And I know I'll see it when the moment is right.

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Robin I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. I am really tired of others being harassed simply because they are a little different. It only really matters what kind of person we are inside, and you seem to me to be a good husband, father and human being. Hoping that you will find peace.

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Thank you, Charlotte. We could all use a little peace right now.

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My friend I'm so glad for your honesty and realness here. Please know I'm with you in spirit, though I don't say much right now. You are not alone in this struggle. It is deeply exhausting, on a soul level, I know, and it's perfectly okay to get through the days by doing just the basics and resting as much as you can whenever you can. In fact its more than ok to do so, it's completely normal given the circumstances we are all facing which are anything but normal. You are not alone. We are with you. Love, respect, and strength to you.

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Li, you're family. You don't need to say a word for me to know that. I'm always so glad to have you in this world with me. All my love right back at you.

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Dear friend, I’m so sorry you’re suffering. Know that you have a friend here to talk with, and who is thinking about you. 💖

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Thanks, Nicci. I'm so grateful for our friendship, and I absolutely know I can count on you.

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I am so sorry you're going through this. It sucks so much to be caught in a situation that gives you no room to safely exist as you are. "There is a darkness within me that’s threatening to consume everything." I resonate with that line so much, and it's such a beautiful and succinct way to capture a really overwhelming sensation. I'm also struck by your questions - how do we talk about the little harms that come from transphobia? YES! It's so important, and so unseen so much of the time. Your description of your body knowing is so powerful. I spoke with a friend today about the Very Bad ER Visit I had, and it was soothing to hear him (a cis person, even) name that OF COURSE my body has been holding so much anxiety since then. I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you for writing this and being honest, and it makes so much sense that you're feeling all of this. I hope things resolve soon for you, and in the midst of it, I hope you're able to find moments of relief <3

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Reed, I really think the only way to heal is to say this stuff out loud. I've tried not saying anything, and clearly that's not working. If my honesty makes room in the world for others to share their experience too, then it's the right path forward for all of us.

And I DO want us to talk about the little transphobic harms that papercut us over and over. We need awareness of those damaging little words and glances and shoulder shrugs.

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I totally agree!

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Thank you for your honesty ❤️. I’m happy to count you as a friend! As someone with ME/FM I can kind of relate though it’s definitely not the same. I celebrate you!🤗

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Ashley, thank you for your kind words, and you're certainly a friend. There is never enough heartfelt discussion about chronic illnesses and how they impact us.

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❤️

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Dear friend, I’m so sorry you’re suffering. Know that you have a friend here to talk with, and who is thinking about you. 💖

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