July 18th, 1994

To My Mother and Father,

What I have to tell you, is not easy to do. That's is why I have written it down, rather then just calling, or some other, informal, means of telling you.

Mom and Dad, Since early in life I have felt that there was something different about me, and, when I began to realize what it was, I hid those feelings away, and tried my best to act as I was expected to. Within the last two years, as I have matured, I have realized that this feelings cannot be denied.

I want to tell you that I have felt like a woman, both emotionally and mentally, since early childhood. You both mean a lot to me, I have grown tired of hiding this from you.

Beginning as late as December 31st, 1994, I will begin living full-time in the gender role I have chosen. I will be legally changing my name and identification to that of Gwendolyn Ann 'Gwen' Smith.

My wife, Bonnie has elected, happily, to remain with me throughout this transition. She was aware of much of this before we married. My employer is also behind me on this, and desires to keep me employed at my current job and position, and support me throughout the transition. I have been in a therapy program at the Los Angeles Gender Center under Marie Keller, M.A., M.F.C.C. I have not entered into this rashly, indeed, many other transsexuals cannot understand that I have waited so long to finally break free.

I can understand that this is difficult for the two of you to hear, and I acknowledge that you will have a hard time accepting my transition. However, it is the path I must take. I need to be true to myself.

Please understand, it is nothing you have done to 'cause' this - current debate involves occurrences that happen long before birth, approximately six weeks into the pregnancy. If you have done anything, you have allowed me to grow up within a caring, loving, and nurturing environment that few are fortunate enough to have had. And I thank you for these.

With this letter is a series of articles I have gleaned from several sources, and a copy of the book, The Uninvited Dilemma. I hope you will take the time to read these, as they may give you some insight into what I have gone through, and am about to embark on. And also, feel free to contact me or Bonnie at any time with any questions.

I Love You Both,

Gwen

Postscript: as the dateline admits, this was July of 1994. I transitioned on November 18th, 1994. Although it was rocky at first, I now have a very good relationship with my mother. It has taken approximately seven years for my father to rekindle a relationship with me. I am still happily married to Bonnie.

Copyright by the author: Gwendolyn Ann Smith / gwen@gwensmith.com

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