When Coming Out Leads You To A Wall

If you think being a transgender person is hard, try being transgender in Texas. Having a gender identity that differs from your assigned sex is an abomination in this macho world. For thirty years I've lived in intense denial and relentless attempts to change who I was. Five years ago I finally made the decision to transition.
The hardest part was coming out to my Dad. Growing up I was under a lot of pressure from him to «man up» and pursue «boy activities». I'd hemmed and hawed for months before I worked up the courage to spit out my big confession. I said, «Dad, I consider myself a female. My sex reassignment surgery is next month». To that he asked, «You must be pretty serious about it if you are willing to make your life a living hell».
He was right about that, you see. I was ready to face bias and prejudice. I knew I'd be the object of ridicule and hate - misunderstood, maybe even feared. But I never expected to be persecuted for my choice and discriminated against as openly as I am now. Recent nationwide injunction issued by a Texas district judge lets doctors refuse to provide medical care to transgender patients and women who've had an abortion. This is allegedly done to protect doctor's religious beliefs. But what about the protection of my basic human rights? Or am I expected to forfeit them as well if I own my identity?