Why I Do What I Do, Episode #5

I grew up in a rural mid-west community that was all white and no one admitted they belonged to any part of the diversity community. The term "transgender" had not even been invented; there was no Internet and nothing in the literature available. That early experience didn't kill me but it did leave me with some deep scars. It wasn't until many years later I was to discover the community of support that has made my life much better.

I was a career Army officer. Being identified as transgender was a career ender. Even after retirement I continued to work in the Department of Defense where being identified as LGBTQ was detrimental to one's career. That was detrimental to me emotionally and psychologically. I am fully retired and much better now. At the time, others never knew. But it was hard on me. Gender dysphoria never leaves you alone even for a moment. I was unwilling to give up my profession and the security it provided for my family.

I have joined our church committee examining "A New Thing." I have shared my story with those I trust. I have addressed many university human sexuality classes to discuss and make known the truth about persons like me. I am part of that community though it is not known to all. When others begin to know, you realize you are a person just like they are.

I have carried the Methodist message to all of the LGBTQ groups of which I am a member.

We are all God's children equally valued by Him, and we should be equally valued by all. As with racial issues, it is not sufficient for the United Methodist Church to stand aside and be complicit in what is clearly evil.