So I was dreading thanksgiving for a few days but knew it was coming regardless of me wanting it to.

So this morning I messaged my mother (whose not too accepting but shows glimmers every blue moon) asking her if I could wear a dress to the function we were invited to. I got a stern “ NO” followed by “its at a church, not the best idea.” Bear in mind I’m a grown ADULT, I don’t NEED her permission, but being the nice person I am, I was trying to be respectful. Anyways I cried a little and got ready to leave.

Got to the function and was immediately told to grab a name tag. So since I was presenting male and didn’t want to start WW3 I just wrote my dead name as much as it pained me to do. My brother notices and makes this snide remark “whats wrong, don’t wanna be your other personality?” That PISSED me off. So in a one two punch I replied “if I can’t look the part why does it matter?” Looking at my mom the whole time. She just shrugged and said nothing. But my brother said “well just remember that when I’m supporting you”. I didn’t know me looking male invalidated my existence of being a woman or transgender?

I literally started to cry, in a room full of strangers. I lost my appetite. Barely spoke unless I had to. Got home, cried myself to sleep. And haven’t said a word to my “family”.

My thanksgiving was shit, but I hope everyone else’s was great! Love you all!

Emma