Thanks for being brave enough

"You are really brave to put yourself 'out there'," says Jana Marie, writing to Alli, The Gayly's Transgender Advice Columnist.

by Allison Blaylock
Transgender Advice Columnist

Dear Alli,

Thanks so much for your columns each month. You are really brave to put yourself "out there" like that in front of the public. I have been in transition for seven years now and I still get a lot out of what you write and, in some instances, it takes me back down memory lane from when I was where some of your writers are in their transition.

Again, thanks!
Jana Marie

Jana,

I want to start with saying that I am very excited you have been reading my column. It was something that I truly felt that the transgender community needed. I know that when I was younger, I would have loved to have had something like this to read.

The biggest reason why I decided to put myself out there in the public eye is because I truly feel that I was given an opportunity to be who I am and share my abilities. I have also been fortunate to meet people that believe in me.

When I first met Robin with The Gayly she was extremely accepting of me and I felt like there was an instant bond. I had so many people that would ask me questions about how to transition, resources and so much more through my social media.

After a press conference that was held by Freedom Oklahoma, I got to spend a few minutes talking to people I knew that I needed to be a bigger voice. I approached Robin and pitched my idea and she loved the idea. With that simple move I have now spent over a year writing for The Gayly as an advice columnist. I have also had a few personal writings published on their site as well.

I spend most of my days sharing and talking to people both on a personal and a public level. I think that my story has value to it and I also have been given a gift that I need to embrace.

I think that not all people are meant to be out there in the public eye and not all people can handle it. I will honestly say that before I transitioned I would have never even thought about being this open.

I find that as people seek information, many times they cannot find it. Or, the people giving the info out have not experienced what it is to be transgender. The people who tend to write about our lives or discuss them only hear it from sources or they are doing research. They never truly know what it is like to wear the shoes.

I also find that as time goes by, more and more people are learning things. Perhaps with my help, I may give someone the courage to be themselves or maybe help a family member understand what a loved one is going through.

I will continue to write as long as people seek advice. I do not claim to be a master of knowledge and by no means do I ever want to be a gate keeper of information. I want to share all that I can so that others can have a better life.

I also find that writing advice helps my fight as an advocate for the transgender community. I get so much joy in hearing from readers like you as it makes me know that it is reaching people and making them happier people.

Thank you to all my readers as it is you who make this column live. It is your questions, your lives that truly lets “Dear Alli” be who she is.

Thank you,

Alli

The Gayly – April 26, 2017 @ 2:40 p.m.