Julie Balcom:  

For the majority of my young life I was the one branded the reject, the class freak, the one who endured the bullying, verbal abuse, and torment because I was different. My heart goes out to those who suffer from cruel classmates because I know first hand the pain they suffer of ridicule, rejection, and a complete lack of compassion. No one knew my struggles or took the time to understand; it was easier to dish out cruelty than it was to be kind. It wasn't until a failed suicide attempt, an act of desperation, to hopefully find someone who would allow me the freedom to express the inner turmoil with identity that I had battled since early childhood. The whole Transgender realm was very new in the early 1970s; the term itself was still unknown and didn't evolve until much later, along with a whole vocabulary that is all too confusing and difficult to navigate. There was no language for those like me to describe the inner battle of gender and identity.. Personally I detest the idea of labels and prefer to just be me without the need to qualify and categorize. I was fortunate to find my way to the quidance and the medical intervention that enabled me to, at long last, bring mind and body into one. For the last 40+ years I've been a very happy well adjusted woman who has enjoyed success in my career and life goals, and I'm so grateful and thankful for supportive family, friends, and those whose paths intersected with mine. So many left with me with pieces of their own lives that have had a significant impact in my journey. I have no regrets, no bitterness or resentment for my past life because without that valuable history and that desperately unhappy young boy I could not have grown into the remarkable and unique woman I am today. While there are those who still believe it their right to pass judgment, criticize, and condemn, I respond with no hesitation tha...Expand for more