I've been doing some soul searching over the past few months with a decision finally being made at PaxU. This audio is the culmination of that. I felt that I needed to be more open about my transition. I've been part of and have witnessed multiple instances of trans people finally getting to step out in public in gaming related spaces for the first time. I've been told that being out and open gave some trans people confidence in their own journey. This is the least I can do to try to be open and visible to those who are just starting on their own journey. I think those of us who can be visible (And that definitely isn't everyone) should at least try for those who might need the helping hand. I've struggled with being open about my transition on the podcast. I've wanted it to be unquestionably about gaming, first and foremost, which I think it is. But the more I become an ambassador of the hobby to others, the more importance I see in being visible.
This episode is separate from the rest that I've uploaded, hence why it's a bonus. It doesn't have the flashy jingles, no commercials, just me recounting the steps that got me to where I am now. If you just want to stick to the board gaming content, this episode isn't for you. There's some uncomfortable content in this, but so many transitions are filled with discomfort, pain, and struggles. To get to this point of happiness that I live in, I needed to relive some very painful memories. My hope for this is that maybe telling my story will help someone avoid that pain for themselves. Maybe being visible will help someone realize that at the end of the day, trans people are just that...people. People trying to be their true selves. Above all else, I hope that this brings comfort to someone who is struggling and to see that life doesn't have to end at being trans. It can truly begin.