Love is mysterious.
Love has its own logic.
All my life I didn't fit.
And now I finally do.
And she came along.
The butterflies made no sense.
But I followed them.
And when our lips touched, I knew.
And now I am me. I am free. I love.
Love is Love
Don't hold back
Love
Once again I stumbled on a post where someone talks about how is never too late to transition.
At 31!
For. The. Record.
I started at 57. Since then:
-transitioned to live as myself
-found a dream job
-went back to school
-fell in love
-And I'm getting married in 4 days!
The obituary for my father came out in the local paper.
I'd had such angst about it. But they got it right. My father was survived by 4 daughters. One is named Amy.
Today, a day after some famous person said ugly things about trans women, this transgender woman is reporting to serve her country in humankind's greatest endevour: exploration of space
Today I will be supporting a 16 hour long simulation of launch day.
I am Amy. I am Real.
I'm a trans woman, and I work in the space industry. I am helping to return humankind to the moon.
Is NASA 'woke'?
First off, I don't even know what that is supposed to mean.
1/3
So I'm trans, you see.
And I work in the Space Program at Kennedy Space Center.
Got to thinking about it the other day. I know of at least 2 other trans women working in the program in some capacity.
Can I get a W for Trans Women in Space?
I'm miffed.
2 years I've been cautious.
Vaxxed and boosted.
I let my guard down at my Papi's memorial.
Anti-vax oldest sister showed up apparently sick but denying it.
Now, 3 sisters, a niece and I are covid positive.
She turned Papi's memorial into a super spreader event.
Couple weeks ago a coworker complemented my pronouns in my email then told me their child is working thru gender issues.
I took him aside today and offered to talk.
He was so appreciative. We talked for a half hour. I gave him some resources.
Visibility Matters
I am a late bloomer.
I didn't begin to figure out I am trans until I was 48.
So when I hear folks that knew at 4, I feel a little imposter syndrome.
If this sounds familiar, don't let it get you. You are not less valid.
Some of us take a longer route to find our true selves.
I am 61.
For 48 years I tried to the the dutiful son/husband/father they all told me I was.
But I never quite fit.
Then my life fell apart. Crashed.
And Amy peeked out and said hello.
I feel like my life has just begun.
I am me.
I have love.
Now its time to start living.
Oh Wow!
A while back, NASA solicited input for revisions to their guide for transitioning in the workplace.
I submitted a couple of suggestions.
The new version dropped today.
One of my suggestions is there: almost word for word.
What those documentaries don't highlight are all the Hidden Figures who helped. The women on console. The people of color doing the hard math. The queer folk hiding their true selves.
We're not hidden now. NASA is diverse, and yes, woke.
And I am proud to be a part of it.
Trans folk celebrate lots of anniversaries. 1 yr on HRT! 2 yrs since I came out!
Our journeys are so profound, it is fitting.
And then...
Yesterday was apparently 5 yrs on HRT for me. I'd forgotten. I was too busy living life, being happy.
And that's the point, isn't it.
Cisgender
I hear that cisgender is considered a slur by some cisgender folk.
Funny, I thought cisgender was an adjective.
I guess some want cisgender to mean something other than cisgender.
Cisgender seems such an innocent word.
It's not a slur, the word cisgender.
My Opinion:
A trans woman mentions they want FFS.
I never say "but you're so beautiful already". That can really hurt.
I cannot know how their dysphoria affects them.
I accept their need and support them.
Everyone's needs and journey are unique.
Coworker says to me today: "I think it's so great that you have your pronouns in your email signature. You know, my 13 yo is non-binary and working through it all."
Visibility matters.
But I can tell you NASA is forward thinking and invites diverse people who bring the different viewpoints needed to solve really big problems.
And you say, but it was all those crew cut white men you see in the documentaries who got us to the moon during Apollo.
2/3
I'm a little nervous
At my last job, I transitioned visibly and everyone knew I'm trans.
At my new job I'm sort of stealth.
So today, for
#TDOV
I'm wearing a big trans flag Pronoun button.
Effectively coming out at work.
I will be visible for all those who can't yet.
Just another day serving our country's space program.
Don't know why some folks want to "eradicate" people like me.
Oh, in case a certain senator is listening, this trans woman helped launch the biggest rocket in the world to the moon.
And I think we did a pretty good job.
I can finally say something.
I have the amazing honor to be nominated to the Faces of NASA.
One of my co-members of the KSC LGBTQ+ Leadership team nominated me.
I am so humbled and excited.
Today, I went into a woman's restroom at a private establishment. Just like I always do.
Florida's bathroom bill doesn't apply to private establishments.
Yet for the first time in 5 years, I was wary, on high alert. Not sure what I'd encounter.
This is not my Florida.
@MavenOfMayhem
Started my transition at 57.
Living my true life at 59.
Got my dream job at 61.
When back to school at 61.
Married my sweetheart at 63
Graduated with my AA at 63.
It. Is. Never. Too. Late.
Coworker asked today why I had my pronouns in my email signature.
Me: Aside from letting folks know those are my pronouns, I'm signaling that I support trans folk.
He: So if I put my pronouns in my email, people will know I support trans folk?
That's a win.
Well, I can talk about it since the internal announcement went out. I've hinted.
I am happy to announce that I've been promoted to Systems Engineering Supervisor. I'll be responsible for the entire team of Systems Engineers on our contract.
Excited to make a difference.
@AriDrennen
Ari
My wife and I decided to tough it out and stay after the last wave of bills.
This year, we may have to leave.
Ron is coming back home.
I'm trans. I've lived in Florida most of my life. My kids and grandkids are here. I work my dream job at NASA.
It ain't over.
Friend
Sweetheart
Wife
Mother of my kids
Ex Wife
Best Friend
Roommate
Ally
My Ex
Carla is gone. I've loved her for 40 years. She taught me how to be a good person. She taught me how to be a woman.
I will miss her dearly
Yesterday, I got an email from a NASA employee. Said her son is trans. Said my talk really helped her out. Helped her to understand.
She told me that for his 18th birthday, she is going to pay for his name change.
I was crying by the end of the email.
Today I did something amazing.
For Pride Month at NASA, we're doing PrideCasts. Short (<30min) talks by volunteers on any pride related subject. They are interspaced through the month at different times and dates. Broadcast on teams throughout the Agency.
1/2
My makeup skilz are legendarily bad, almost as bad as my typos. I practice every day.
But lately I don't outright hate what I've done.
Feeling bold here. Be gentle
I guess Elon Musk is a sensitive man, too.
Free speech, Hah!
His ilk are allowed to make derogatory remarks about my gender identity all they want.
Please retweet extensively.
Whenever I feel the imposter syndrome, I think back to when I came out to my youngest daughter.
She was the 1st person, aside from therapist, that I told. Adult with her own family.
She said "Well ok Dad. I always knew you were different. I just thought you were gay."
Blows my mind when a member of the LGBTQ community says we shouldn't be so flamboyant, so political. That all the attacks on the community are "self inflicted".
I will NOT be a quiet little queer who doesn't make waves while my rights are being taken away.
As of 2pm today, I am a Great Grand Parent. My eldest granddaughter gave birth. Both mother and child are healthy and happy.
I'm too young to be a great grand parent, no?
I live in Florida.
I've been torn. Should I leave because of all the new bigoted laws and the people that want me to not exist?
I just saw a quote from a Ukrainian soldier who said he fights for his home. That he will not be enslaved.
I stay. I fight. Florida is my home.
For a Trans-Woman, love is feeling safe enuf with your partner to show them your face without makeup.
To know that they might feel a little stubble on you chin and not be turned off.
For a Trans-Woman love is knowing that your partner loves you for everything you are.
Went to the big chain tire place to get tires. Haven't been here in years.
Clerk asked for my phone #.
And it came up with deadname.
Me: Oh no, he's out of the picture.
He: Oh?
Me: Yes, I kicked him out years ago.
He: OK. So what's your name? I'll update the system.
@Rikki_1975
Ooof I'm sorry to hear that.
Unfortunately sometimes it's too big an adjustment.
But there are other times couples can work their way through it.
Perhaps some joint counseling. Or PFLAG. They usually have some spousal support groups.
Many hugs to you dear
Ok, not starting a debate.
Here's the thing: I have a fair sized account.
I am a visible trans woman.
But I don't have bigots and haters coming after me.
Guess it's cuz I don't engage. I block at the first negativity.
Hate wants an audience.
I don't give it one.
Met a truly impressive trans woman yesterday. She's been with NASA over 46 years. Transitioned on the job in '96.
I'll be sharing more about her.
She wants to connect and support our community.
Well friends, our Anne is about to be discharged from the hospital. We will head back to the hotel where she will stay until her follow up appointment next week.
Isn't she beautiful?!
You know what I love? Whimsy
Before transition I was kind of stiff. I wouldn't allow myself to be too silly, cuz guys don't do that.
Now I can sing and dance around the house. I can do what feels natural.
Living my true life is a wonderful thing.
Today I had the honor to attend the first ever raising of the Pride Flag at HQ at Kennedy Space Center.
I am proud to represent my LGBTQ+ siblings here at the Center.
@StarbucksUK
The crew at my local Starbucks has been with me my whole transition.
I remember the very first time they called out "Amy" when my order was ready.
Thank you Starbucks in Merritt Island, Florida
A few years ago, I showed up for group and a stunning 30-something woman was sitting there. I wondered why this cis woman was there.
Then the meeting started, and she told her story of transition.
My jaw dropped.
This session changed the whole trajectory of my transition.
I'm ecstatic to say
@CaptnAmy
Amy🌹 and I, Anne💃
@MirrorHer
are in love🥰! Things cascaded after my trip to visit her. We are over the moon & want to share the news officially with all our friends here. We need more pictures - next time I see her for a date in mid-December.👭💞
Well I did it.
After 40 years I'm going back to finish what I started. To finish my degree.
Tonight I registered for my 1st class. Just 1 class this summer to get started.
But I'm doing this.
Hi. I am Amy.
I am a Fire Suppression Systems Engineer at Kennedy Space Center supporting the
#Artemis
program to send folks back to the moon.
I am a Transgender Woman.
And I am visible.
Happy
#TransDayOfVisibility
Photo credits: me
I've noticed something starting to happen.
I usually wear my hair down for selfies and when I go out. I felt self conscious that my features looked too masculine and I'd try to hide a little with my hair.
Lately, I feel more comfortable with my hair pulled back.
This is me.
Saw a young person working at my local grocery that I believe is trans.
So what do you do when you encounter someone you think is trans? A wink? A nod? The secret sign?
Not a damn thing. Treat them like anyone else. Last thing you want to do is out someone.
@smnkb
And unfortunately, many drag queens performances are a caricature of women.
And so ppl think trams women are a caricature.
I am not a caricature
I am not a man in a dress
Trans n Rocket
I just got permission to share this picture.
I took this while standing on an upper level of the Mobile Launcher. Behind me is the Orion Capsule atop the SLS vehicle, making up the Artemis 1 rocket.
#GoArtemis
@StephanieN924
@AriDrennen
I may have to.
I was really looking forward to supporting the launch of Artemis II on console. That's when we send folks back to the moon.
#amysbigtrip
Day 3. I did it!
Just a quick post to let y'all know I'm ok. Everyting was perfect.
Thank you
@MirrorHer
for letting folks know for me.
Thanks to all the well wishers. Y'all are soooo kind.
Luv you all bunches❤❤❤❤
I was married to my first wife almost 39 years.
She hated watermelon. The mere smell of it on me would make her sick.
For slmost 39 years, I didn't eat watermelon.
Damn, this is some good watermelon.
So I was raised in the Catholic church. By my teens, it held nothing for me. Studying history, I've developed a deep rejection of the church.
Yesterday, I attended a catholic funeral mass for my father. All of the readings and rituals sounded like word salad.
Understand
This post is not intended to shame someone feeling this way.
Is it intended to reassure and empower you to know that at any age, you can be your true self.
It. Is. Never. To. Late.
To find your happiness.
A little over 1.5 years ago, she moved in. My house was already full of my stuff. She brought what she could of her stuff and left the rest in storage.
Saturday we will begin moving my stuff and her stuff in the new house.
And we will set up OUR house...
...together.
A❤️A
Really disappointing.
I post what I hope to be an inspirational tweet.
Transphobic bigots come into my replies, hoping to hurt me and all they can come up with is something lame like "still a bloke".
Geez, if you're gonna throw bigoted slurs at me, at least be more creative.
10 years ago I was in a pretty low point in life. Barely scraping by. Separated. Deeply, very deeply confused about who I really was.
Today, I am deeply in love. Married to a wonderful woman. Back in school working on 2 degrees. Working the job of my dreams.
Never too late
@MavenOfMayhem
I came out to my 4 adult children 2 years ago. I've recieved nothing but love and support. Daughter 2 happily discusses hair tips. (She is of The Curly like me)
My 7 grandkids aged 10 to 26 100% accept me
My Papi said he loves me no matter what
3 of my 4 kids with spouses: