An Open Transition Letter To Immediate Family And Close Friends

This is a letter you might want to send to your immediate family and close friends. The author and dear friend chose to remain anonymous. Their desire is  to share this with anyone who wants to cut and paste it into their own unique story.

My Dear Family;

This is probably the most difficult letter I have ever had to write. As you all know, communication has never been my forte. I need your understanding, prayers and patience now more than anytime in my life.

I have been diagnosed with one of the most misunderstood conditions on the face of the earth. It affects more people than Downs Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis combined. My therapist and doctors all agree that I suffer from “Profound Gender Identity Disorder”. It has caused me so much pain and created more confusion, anxiety and depression than you’ll ever know. I have known that something was wrong since I was about 4 years old and have been seeing therapists on and off for the last 35 years. I have tried most every antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication available with no relief. I have never doubted my sexual orientation; I always have been – and still am attracted to women.

I have finally accepted the fact that it is a medical -congenital condition that cannot be addressed in psychotherapy. My only hope for peace is to follow the medical approach of the International Standards of Care. Under the supervision of my doctors I started hormone therapy in October of 2003 and began the Real Life Experience phase in July of 2004. I have been living and working as a woman ever since. The respect, acceptance and support I have received by -----, ------- and -----(names) as well as my co-workers and friends has given me a new found faith in GOD and humanity. I have never felt more spiritually at peace.

My name was legally changed in ------,-----,------(date) to ----- -------- -------(new name) and the Medical Advisory Board has approved the gender change on my identification.

I have enclosed an abbreviated psychological report, a copy of my legal name change order and a piece on Gender Identity Disorder. I suggest reading the book “TRUE SELVES” by Mildred Brown and Chloe Ann Rounsley. It was published in 1996. There has been a lot of research since but it’s still the best available at this time.

Please pray for me, be patient and try to understand. I’m FINALLY comfortable talking about it. I need your love and support, now more than ever in my life.

I LOVE YOU ALL