Jacqueline Phyllis Marchwinski

January 6, 2006  

Well, its been about three years since I came to learn of myself and accept myself as transgendered.   Its been two years since I began the transition journey in earnest.   The photo's posted by Madeline here, were taken over the past two years.

Overall, I am happy.   In some ways the happiest I've ever been.   It is very liberating to stop pretending to be some one you're not, and begin experiencing life as you feel you were meant to – even if it did take 50 years to figure out   !!

As I have mentioned to many of you, my one big regret is the impact of this on Eileen.   Please stay in contact with her.   She needs your support and friendship, (as do I).

So here are some of my observations and aspects of the journey so far…….

In general people have been very accepting and encouraging.   Much more than I expected.   The people at work have been fabulous.   Even people I encounter day to day, at the supermarket, the cleaners, etc have been remarkably accepting.   I think they have their own lives to worry about, and as long as you're not hurting their children or scaring their pets, they really don't care.

• I've been on hormones for about seven months now.   Not much in the way of physical changes, but some.   It typically takes a t least a year for noticeable changes to occur.    However I have already noticed a dramatic reduction in my upper body strength.   Probably one third less.   Will probably lose 50% before long.   I knew that would happen, but still, when you can't do physical things that were once easy, it's an adjustment.
• I enjoy being more creative in terms of appearance.   I also enjoy spontaneously complimenting some one on some aspect of their appearance.   Something that would never been acceptable coming from John.
• I don't miss the games men play in business situations.   Where to sit, who to sit next to, etc.  
• However, I don't like being ignored.   Something I noticed from day one in both business situations, and retail settings.

Anyway these are some of my thoughts so far.   I'll periodically add more.   Feel free to email me jackiem52@msn.com .   And there are no stupid questions.

Jackie

Here's a glimpse of the new me……

December 2003            “All Dressed up and nowhere to go”

Went to a Christmas party of a trans-support group I was active in only to find they had cancelled it because of snow

February 2004 “How badly do you want this….”

Five days after my first (of several) marathon facial electolysis sessions in which 2 electrologists, one on the left another on the right, stick a needle in each follicle and   zap it   for eight hours a day, for two days.   Face is still a little swollen, but better than a few days ago

Summer 2005   “Its not cheap to look this good”

Here's me leaving my favorite salon after a heavy duty Saturday makeover.

February 2004 “Its amazing what photographers can do ….”:

My first studio photo