March 31, 2024

I think my therapist might have been right about writing. Last month really helped me process some of the things I talked about, and I’ve become more comfortable with them. I reread over it several times by myself, and when I was comfortable enough, I actually shared it with my therapist. Needless to say, it was definitely a conversation that needed to happen. I remembered that I said this month I would tell you about my friend, but to do that I need to tell you about work.

I started working at the local gas station pretty soon after my parents kicked me out. My grandma only let me live in her yard on the condition that I pay rent. She gave me 2 weeks to find a job, and the only place hiring was the gas station. Luckily it was a first come first serve kind of job, so I got hired on pretty quickly for $7.25 an hour. The owner was a very nice older woman who wore black cowboy boots and a big white cowboy hat. During my interview she didn’t question my makeup or the way I dressed like I’d grown accustomed to when I’d meet someone new. It wasn’t until later during a staff meeting one morning where Tish and I brought up complaints of a rowdy customer (whom you will hear more about later.) That I learned she both didn’t know and didn’t care that I was trans. I grew to appreciate that side of her more and more. 

Then there was the name of the person I briefly mentioned above, Tish. I got put on the night shift with Tish. She was a little older than me, but close enough in age that we still liked a lot of the same music and we grew up on the same shows. Sometimes when I would come in and I hadn’t had time to do my makeup, we would sit behind the counter when there were no customers talking while she did it for me. As I worked there more, I grew to really appreciate both of these women and the impact they had on my sense of self. They’ve really helped me feel confident in who I am. And for that, I couldn’t be more grateful. I am beginning to bloom. 

Thank you for listening once again. I appreciate you as well, friend.

-Hope