Hand shake ( No fist bumps)

[Donnie_1961]

I'm old school. When I introduce myself to someone for the first time I extend a friendly and firm handshake. "Hello." I say. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Donnie." I don't change my voice. I'm not trying to fool anybody into believing I'm something that I'm not. I want them to know up front exactly who I am. Often people ask my which surname I want them to use when addressing me. " Frankly." I tell them. "I don't really care. Use whatever you feel comfortable using."  I'm 58 years old I don't have the time to spend correcting everybody over little things like surnames. I don't need the affirmation. I already know who and what I am. I'm preoperative transgender. (That means I've still got junk down there.) I don't use the ladies room. In my opinion that would be disrespectful and wrong. (That's just my opinion.) I can handle myself fine. I spent the winter at a homeless shelter for Men. You should have seen the looks I got when I checked in. "This is a men's shelter! You shouldn't be here!" Was the line I heard every time I walked in the door. My first night sleeping on a mat on the floor with a hairy drunk with vodka on his breath putting his ar.ms around me. So I kneed him in the nuts. I survived. But, thank goodness, I'm out of that place! I do go back from time to time to visit with some of the people I know who are still there. I hand out cigarettes and gum. I wish I could do more to help. They are like family to me.

Speaking of family: I have three children. Two girls and a boy. They are all grown upbla now. They are OK with me but sometimes I wonder. I put them through hell. It wasn't easy for them growing up with a father that is transitioning before their eyes.

My wife and I have been separated for many years. She stuck around as long as she could. It wasn't easy on her either.

I work as a certified Nursing Assistant at a local Nursing Home. A job that I love.

I love to go ice skating or rollerblading. If you live in Omaha you might see me skating down at the AmeriTrade Center.

What do I want to get out of this forum? I don't really know just now. I'll figure that out later.

[Carolyn Marie]

Welcome to Trans Pulse, Donnie.  I hope you find a lot of good information and friendship here. 

 

HUGS

 

Carolyn Marie

[Donnie_1961]

Thank you, Carolyn Marie. I'm looking forward to it.

[Jani]

Welcome aboard Donnie.  I'm glad to meet you!  I've read some of your posts and you've led an interesting life.  Good for you!!  I think you'll find this to be a place with caring and thoughtful members, and that you will fit in well.  Please continue to post!

 

Cheers, Jani 

[Timber Wolf]

Hi Donnie,

Welcome to Transpulse. I'm glad you're here!

 

Lots of love,

Timber Wolf ?

[Donnie_1961]

Thank You, Timber Wolf. And happy birthday to you!

[Charlize]

Welcome Donnie.  I will never be able to have all the surgery i might wish for.  A heart condition simply doesn't allow for that.  I am happy to be and live as myself however.  By the way i use the ladies room.  It just fits me and i've never had an issue.  

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Susan R]

Hi Donnie, it’s a pleasure to have you with us. It’s nice to see that you are comfortable with yourself in almost any situation regardless of the acceptance of those around you.  I’m sorry to hear about the situation this past winter at the homeless shelter you’ve been placed in the past but you’ve come out a much stronger person through perseverance.  I hope to read more of your insights and sage advice as your time permits. I enjoy reading opinions and experiences that expand my perspective.  I won’t always agree but I know I can learn much more by being open to new ideas.

 

On that thought I need to add something here.  I have to say that I’m one of those “disrespectful and wrong” individuals you mention who uses the ladies room.  If I thought the male population would accept my outward femininity, I might not care which one I use.  That is not the case.  So far, not a single female has confronted or even acknowledged I was wrong to be using my preferred bathroom.  In fact, many of the colleges and other locations here in my area (Seattle) are converting to ‘all gender’ bathrooms so everyone and their brother does their business together.  I experienced it for the first time during a recent 10 hour conference at one of the colleges.  Everyone went about their business with absolutely no issues.  It’s a deep societal change for us baby boomers and older but to that younger generation, it’s just another day. We are all people having some of the same basic needs, using the bathroom is one of them.  If you can separate yourself from all the stigma surrounding gender differences and long term societal indoctrination, I can see this ‘all gender’ bathroom issue being a good thing.

 

Thank you again for sharing a bit of yourself with us and allowing me to add my opinion alongside yours.

 

Warmest Regards,

Susan R?

 

 

[Maddee]

Hi Donnie

Thank you for your real introduction.

Welcome