My, personal, experience is that the people in my life, both men and women, see me as a woman.
A close friend of mine, who happens to be a cis-woman, told me the other day that she liked it when I shared about “the solution” in an AA meeting, and didn’t “talk about your *past*”.
I didn’t take the time to explain to her that there are LGB and T people out there who are drinking/other-drugging themselves to death, just as I was. I explained that to *everyone* when I was the featured speaker at a speaker meeting.
I may explain to her, at some point, again, that I understand that she, and others, are uncomfortable when I share that I’m trans, but it’s necessary. The main purpose of AA, and the people in it, is to “help the alcoholic who still suffers”.
There’s a sign in almost every meeting that states, “When *anyone*, *anywhere*, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. For that, I am responsible.”
It would be, has been, easy for me to keep my *past* to myself, but I’m committed to helping others. “For that, I am responsible.”
Living in eastern NC, as we do, LGBT people are almost all hiding or obscuring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. There is no *pride*, no *community*.
If LGBT alcoholics are to get sober, and heal, they have to know that there is someone that they can come to for help, with not only no judgement, but a loving welcome.
So…uncomfortable? Yes, it definitely is, at times. For that reason, I’m not trying to say that every LGBTQ person *must* 'come out’ and announce themselves to their respective communities. No, each of us does what we can. We expand our limits at our own pace. I’m definitely not recommending that anyone go any farther than they are ready for.
I am not fearless. I am filled with all of the same fears that everyone else has.
I am willing, however, at the times and places of my choosing, to endure some discomfort, in order to fullfil my obligation to the “alcoholic who still suffers”.
😍😘😇🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
PS: I’m thinking about starting an LGBTQ meeting, but, of course, I’m afraid….🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Peace Love Kindness Respect the more you give the more you get 😍 start with yourself 😉
