Visibility

I spent last week in Missouri and as it turned out, I was highly visible on Transgender Day of Visibility. I drove 200+ miles, did some shopping, and stopped in Madison for an overnight before heading home on Easter. When I reflect on the last year, I realize how far I have come. Being out at work and living as my authentic self full-time has been wonderful. In the past, I was in a constant state of transition, moving between the male and female worlds. I did this for years. I would be nervous and uncomfortable out in public. Now I don't give it a second thought. I am just me. Recently, I was a very small part of NPR's report on transgender teachers. I have heard some of the segments on the radio and I am fortunate that my journey, while stressful enough, did not include harassment or ostracizing as it has for so many. I have learned so much about myself and about the world around me. I also think that people have learned from me as well. In that respect, I celebrate this day of visibility.

The intent of the Transgender Day of Visibility is to let the world know that we exist and that we are people too. However, I also think the day is to celebrate me having more visibility. I see more clearly than I have in some time. As I quiet the fears in my own mind I am better able to connect with my thoughts. As I become more self-aware, I hope I can focus on things around me. I admit that on my journey there have been times when I have been self-absorbed. I need to be more aware of the needs of other people and the communities in which I live. Last summer I put my Madison bike away with a broken spoke. As a surprise, Linda had it fixed for me this past week! Of course, I felt I had to go for a ride when she offered. It was almost forty degrees and winds were 20+ mph. Her idea of a ride was to show me a trail that had opened up since I was last living down here, the Yahara River Trail. That meant 22 miles of biking. The trail was beautiful and the ride there with the wind was wonderful! Coming back against the wind was a workout. Seeing the beautiful trail that connects McFarland to Madison was cool. The project includes .9 miles of a boardwalk over water that was fun to ride on. The views were lovely and despite the brisk weather, there were quite a few people using it.

We capped the ride off with a stop at my favorite Madison Restaurant, Monty's Blue Plate Diner. I like this place because of the delicious food, some of it vegan and vegetarian, and their heavenly desserts. I also like this place because it has one of my grandfather's photos hanging on the wall. The photo is of the diner back when it was a gas station. (The restaurant was busy so I had to quickly snap a photo before someone else sat down.)

Despite being a workout, the ride back to the condo was satisfying. One has good visibility of the Madison skyline, complete with the state capitol, across Lake Monona. This view alone made the ride worth it.

I was completely chilled as I hadn't packed adequate biking gear but a warm shower helped. We ended the evening sitting and talking before I stumbled off to bed. I'm glad that I wasn't too visible then as my muscles were achy as I trudged upstairs.