Alaskan Transcendentalist

            Coming out- it's a pretty big deal. There are a lot of emotions surrounding coming out and a lot of factors that go into the decision to come out; factors such as age, family situation, political climate, work or school environment, religious affiliation, living situation, personal preference, etc. Coming out is a very personal choice and experience but unlike what some people think, it doesn't happen just once. I have been coming out constantly since I was 17 due to my identity having more words to describe who I am and the progression of my transition status as well as coming out in a variety of settings such as classrooms, new medical providers, potential romantic encounters, and public speaking opportunities. While I am very out and open about being transgender, every time I come out, it is my choice and my choice alone. I am not obligated to come out in a situation even if I have come out many times before.             Sadly our safety is of great conc

            I have been wanting a hysterectomy since I got my first period. It wasn't the normal hate for periods that most pubescent girls experience but rather a loathsome fury that spread throughout my entire being- I was entering womanhood and nothing could have been worse, especially since I am a dude.             Sadly transmen still get their periods and while testosterone can stop menstruation or at least make it less intense, it is still a tragic fact of life. There were several incidences where I had to leave school or work because I randomly started bleeding even after being on hormone therapy for several years. I wanted a hysterectomy badly and in 2012 I thought I had my chance. Long story short- I had an exploratory surgery where the doctor removed part of my equipment, but insurance refused to pay for a hysterectomy even though I had PCOS and Endometriosis that caused a lot of pain. They were insistent that I would change my mind about this "whole transgende