Dear Mom And Dad

Dear Mom and Dad,


   I have something I need to talk to you about even though you probably already know or at least suspect. I find that this is an easier way for me to talk about it instead of talking in person. So please just listen to me for a few minutes. My whole life I've known I was different then all the other girls. I have identified a lot more with guys then I have with girls. 4th grade is when I actually did start to be attracted to girls and not guys. Over time of course I did have my few crushes on guys but have always known that I could never really see myself being with them. This next part is going to b where it might clear something up for you. In seventh grade I realized that I felt not like I thought I should. I mean, I felt like my mind and body were two completely different people. People of opposite genders. I knew something was wrong. You can't even imagine what it feels like to wake up every day and feel like the person in the mirror is a complete stranger.

     All this time I have felt like this but have always been too scared to say anything. I was just recently introduced to the concept of transgender or transsexuals. I've done a lot of research and talked about it with transgender people and I feel like that is right where I fall into place. I know that you have noticed my changes like cutting off my hair and buying new more guy-ish clothes and even wanting to wear a tux to prom. These changes have made me feel a lot more comfortable in my skin. Especially when people have "mistaken" me as a guy or have told me I look like a guy. I have started binding my chest but I'm pretty sure you already figured that out. I have even looked into names, hormones and surgery but all of those things with a lot of hesitation and fear because I feel like I still have a lot of figuring out and those are things that if anything, would come many years down the road. I think gender therapy might be a good next step. I don't want to say I'm transgender yet but I know that I am having gender identity issues.  

     I hope you realize how much courage this took me and how scared I still am but I felt like its time for me to talk to you guys about this a little. Just please understand that now that you know I'm going to be anxious and need a little space from you guys so please try not to confront me right now until I'm ready. Please don't ask questions. Its time for me to explore my inner thoughts and emotions. Thank you for understanding.


I love you,
Karli