I was issued the wrong birthday suit and it’s really difficult to get an exchange once you leave the birth canal. However, I decided at the age of 40 that it was time to be myself. Transitioning at this age has advantages: I have an education and am gainfully employed. This blog chronicles some of that process, mostly looking at the humor in it, because, frankly, there are some really funny moments when one switches sexes. This blog is also about good music and the craft of writing ’cause I’m a well-rounded guy.
Got something to say you don’t want to leave in the comments section? Email: theadventuresoftransman@gmail.com
January 31st, 2012 at 6:26 am
I just read all of your posts in one sitting, and was a bit overwhelmed with laughter and pride to choose a specific post to comment on… so I figured I’d comment on your ‘about me’ to start!
I’m sure my eloquence will catch up to me later today, after I’ve a cup of coffee to pull me out of this all-nighter writing haze… but I had to share before getting offline. The uncompromising honesty, candid humor, and general boldness of your blog is both breath-taking and badass.
I’m the first to admit that while I click ‘follow’ on a few blogs, I’m pretty terrible at keeping up-to-date with them. I can genuinely say that won’t be the case with this one. Absolutely brilliant. Thanks for sharing your life– I look forward to actually talking with you on here!
January 31st, 2012 at 6:34 am
Thanks so much, Jules. I’m honored that what I’ve written spoke to you. I’ve enjoyed my quick peek at your blog and plan to do some real reading when I’m off work.
February 9th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
I agree with Jules.
February 22nd, 2012 at 12:05 am
I better start upping the quality of things around here. The pressure’s on.
February 5th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
I have passed on the Versatile Blogger Award to you
http://ksnapped.wordpress.com/2012/02/05/do-i-get-a-sparkly-dress/
February 5th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Cool. Thank you!
February 6th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
I look forward to reading your posts. I’m always eager to learn about people and situations I’m not yet familiar with. There is no better way to learn about life than to open the mind and listen.
I’m happy that you’ve found comfort in your own skin, that’s something we all search for at some point in our life.
February 6th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
Thanks, man. I guess this isn’t a run-of-the-mill situation, but when you live with something your whole life, you don’t realize how foreign it is to most others’ experience. Like you show in your writing, though, dealing with a lot of the curveballs in life is much easier if you have a sense of humor about it.
February 25th, 2012 at 8:35 am
You got me at “I gave birth to mine…”.
February 25th, 2012 at 8:37 am
I need to have a T-shirt made.
February 25th, 2012 at 8:38 am
I’m a tad disappointed that it hasn’t been done yet.
February 26th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Dude, your stuff rocks – you rock too. I added your blog to my blogroll…
February 26th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Thank you! I’m about to return the favor. Is that you playing the banjo? Maybe we can have a crazy bluegrass/ska/rockabilly/funk band and get rich.
February 26th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Yeah, that’s me and Gibson. Long story, but I put it back in the closet just recently. Good thought though on the getting rich part.
February 28th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
I just stumbled upon your blog, and I’m glad I did! I look forward to reading more
February 28th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Thanks … except now I have to come up with some ideas.
February 28th, 2012 at 11:07 pm
I’m so glad you ‘liked’ my last post so I could find your blog! I am really looking forward to reading more. =)
February 28th, 2012 at 11:16 pm
Thanks for coming by to check out the blog.
February 29th, 2012 at 8:00 am
Transparentguy, this is my second post in your About section, so I hope you will forgive me. I have to agree with most on this thread, your humor is endearing, and your personal triumphs and tribulations are shared with wit and eloquence.
To many posts ahead, TG!
February 29th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Thank you. Don’t be silly; I never mind praise. Your writing kicks butt, too. It’s very hard to find people who are funny without forcing it; you have mastered that.
February 29th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Thanks for saying it, I’ll tell my ghost writer.
February 29th, 2012 at 6:57 pm
How much do they get these days?
February 29th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Mine is happy with an alfalfa sprouts sandwich.
But seriously, kudos to you. You truly rock.
March 1st, 2012 at 9:25 am
Dude, I’ve been looking for your email address. Can you send me one: clownonfire@gmail.com.
E.
PS: You’ve been added to my blogroll. It was nice of you to do so, and me adding you has nothing to do with you adding me. There, it’s said.
March 1st, 2012 at 9:57 am
Adding me has everything to do with the $5 I sent you, though, doesn’t it?
P.S. Check your email.
March 5th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Hey! I’ve nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award, here are the rules and you can check out my post here: http://classicconfusion.com/2012/03/05/the-versatile-blogger-award/
You can ignore this bit of silliness if you’d like
March 6th, 2012 at 11:26 pm
It is my good fortune that you began following me. Good fortune because I now have the opportunity to read and follow yours.
March 6th, 2012 at 11:38 pm
Thank you. I like the photomanipulations on your studio site … looking forward to discovering the words and the art you produce.
March 7th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
this is wonderful. btw, i just worked on a doc about Trans called, What’s the T?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/incastronation/whats-the-t
Also, because I was new to the scene, I wrote this little ditty. Would love your thoughts:
http://circularrunning.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/is-the-woman-making-my-espressos-really-a-woman-why-do-i-care/
OK, I’m on board with this blog and looking forward to reading more!
g.
http://www.thehistoryofthings.com
March 7th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Thanks for dropping by and sharing the links. The documentary looks cool. As more transfolks document and share their lives, I think we’ll find more understanding (and hopefully acceptance) in the larger society. I know I do a lot of joking around here, but as more people show the normalcy of their lives instead of being trashy talk-show spectacles, we’ll start to be seen as regular people.
March 8th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
This is going to be a great blog to read (or as I’ll call it “TDawgs’ writing nook”).
Glad I stumbled into your part of the globe…
Lynne
March 8th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
Just wait ’til the audio book comes out.
March 8th, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Got my ten spot all ready !
March 10th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
If you’re too cool for these things, I get that. But you deserve it anyway.
http://lamentsandlullabies.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/two-fer-award/
March 10th, 2012 at 6:55 pm
You know, there’ll be no living with me now; I also won’t be able to get my great big head through the door.
March 10th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
I have a comic about that….I’ll post as soon as I’m back to my own computer in a few days.
March 12th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Thank you for the like and the follow! I really like your style–hipster or no hipster!
March 12th, 2012 at 7:46 pm
Thank you. I tip my nonexistent hat to you.
March 12th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
March 12th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
I can only imagine what those funny moments are when switching sexes, you could have a little set of stories called “The Bathroom Chronicles” concerning which bathroom you are most comfortable using. Thanks for your interest in my blogs, I sometimes imagine what you might think of something I’ve posted and I almost always see a Like afterward but no comment. I wish you the best in discovering who you truly are.
March 12th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
There are some things about the bathroom that I’d feel fine writing in a book, but don’t want to put here because I want this to be sort of a PG-13 blog in case there are younger folks out there who are struggling with similar issues and they stumble across this blog. Kind of egotistical of me to even think that, I know, but I know when I was younger and scared of what I felt, it would have helped immensely to know that a) there were other people like me in the world and b) they had rounded lives–(not everything has to center on transition, but a lot of transfolks get caught in a trap where that is all they can think about and it shuts them down.)
March 17th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Looks like I’m not the first, and I’m not in the least surprised by that.
I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award, because I love your blog (and I don’t just say things like that).
You can read about it here: http://meizac.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/you-bet-im-versatile-or-maybe-just-random/
March 18th, 2012 at 8:30 am
Wow, that’s courage. Respect man. Great to hear you can start to come out of the little cave you’ve hidden in for so long and truly be yourself and feel happy in your own skin. Best wishes for the journey,
April 28th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Thanks, Louise.
March 21st, 2012 at 9:56 pm
Hey Transman, I just thought that I would share these two images with you here:
http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lspe97VAbD1qzprlbo3_500.png
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lspe97VAbD1qzprlbo4_500.png
When I saw these two images, I immediately thought of you, and of how perfect they are for you. I hope that you enjoy them.
Thanks,
Scriptor Obscura
PS: The images are from this blog here:
http://kateoplis.tumblr.com/post/11142893195/hank-willis-thomas-at-the-istanbul-art-biennale
March 23rd, 2012 at 11:57 pm
marvelous blog – i love your humor and insight – i can only say wow
April 28th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Thanks for dropping in and reading.
March 24th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Hi
Thanks for liking my post. I look forward to reading some of your musings as well. Take care!
March 26th, 2012 at 7:31 am
[...] been bewildered by your craft, either by your out-of-the box creativity, by your humor, or by your transparency. And sometimes, an unadorned comment on your post seems inadequate. And this is where – on a [...]
March 29th, 2012 at 12:59 am
Dear Transman,
Yes, an award. I’m nominating you for one. Whether or not you’ve had it or have the time for it– lazy or life or what-have-you, I know how it is and you totally can’t offend me. <3
Take this, the Very Inspiring Blogger award. Do what you will with the nomination, know only that I love reading your work and that I will always hold a place on the gender sphere for you. (if it needs holdin'.)
And whether requited or not, I consider you my friend already. <3 :3
I learn so much by spendin' time here.
Information– and the post linking here–, should you choose to accept it, can be found on my site at the following link:
Shortlink'd: http://wp.me/p1CeTj-78
Alternately, I guess you can just read on. But I do this wall of text thing, so maybe not???? x3 (wow actually, the post with the info is even bigger than this! Horrors!)
Rules (I guess, I'm hazy on the details):
Nominee is encouraged to thank the nominator for the nomination and in turn linkback.
Nominee must divulge 7 random facts (or things, I suppose? Technicalities, technicalities!) about themselves
Nominee must nominate 7 other bloggers for the award (Well, okay, I tried, I swear!) and tell them they have been nominated (but really, that one should be obvious, right?)
I suppose these rules must be pretty loose. I've never been one for following many rules, always doin' my own thing and all. I certainly won't call the award police if, in accepting it, you don't do everything above. You're no less inspiring if you don't. It's not like it's an on/off sorta thing.
<3s,
Eris
PS: Did I mention I find you an inspiration? Because I find you an inspiration. <3 Thanks for being so awesome, Transman.
April 28th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Thank you, Eris. I’m still getting caught up on things after some medical stuff. Hope all is well in your part of the world.
March 30th, 2012 at 12:34 am
This sounds absolutely fascinating! I look forward to reading your posts . . .
Cheers,
Simon
April 3rd, 2012 at 2:03 am
Hey Transparent Guy. I might think young but I’m old-school, so hello, and thanks for the follow on my blog. Drop in when you get the chance. Be well …
best,
fran
April 4th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
You piked my curiosity when you wrote “except I raised mine”. I stumble on your blog when you wrote about Canadians, of all things!
Mind you, the name of the blog should have given it away
I am glad you were able to finally able to get the right suit. And sorry that you had to wait so long!
All the best with the rest of your journey
April 28th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Unfortunately, the suit is no longer wrinkle-free.
April 6th, 2012 at 8:16 am
Hi there. Thanks for visiting my blog… and thanks for writing yours. I’ve always had …. a soft spot? compassion? for those going through the journey you’re going through. I’m sure you’ve read She’s Not There… I really enjoyed that book. If you haven’t you should check it out:
She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders
April 28th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
I haven’t read that book, but it does come highly recommended. Thanks for the link.
April 16th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
I nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger Award
http://healthyfrenchie.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/414/
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Hi and thanks for liking my post. cheers
April 22nd, 2012 at 11:02 pm
thanks for liking myt posts. cheers as well!
dustin
April 23rd, 2012 at 12:37 am
Part of my PhD work was in medieval studies, so I appreciate your blog.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
[...] The Adventures of Transman [...]
May 19th, 2012 at 5:36 pm
[...] The adventures of transman [...]
May 22nd, 2012 at 11:38 pm
I wanted to let you know I’ve presented you with the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ award. Of course you don’t have to participate but I enjoy your blog and wanted to share the joy on mine.
If you’d like to join in, you can find the details at http://notforallmarkets.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/its-an-award-and-a-quiz/
May 23rd, 2012 at 10:23 am
I stumbled upon your blog cause we were both nominated by notforallmarkets for an award. I’m so glad I clicked on the link. Your writing is awesome and I’m interested to read so much more. Luckily my job is really, really slow – so now I have something to pass the time today. I’m seriously looking forward to reading. Thanks for having the courage and strength to put it all out there for us to learn from. And, you’re right – the more it’s talked about and demystified, the more acceptance will come from society at large. i wish you the best of luck and look forward to more posts!
May 23rd, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Thank you. I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog. The parts that I’ve dipped into so far are great. I’m way behind on my reading and commenting here. Must catch up!
June 10th, 2012 at 7:56 am
Hello my dear friend
You are One Lovely Blog and please accept my gift to you here:
http://allaboutlemon.com/2012/06/10/all-about-lemon-is-one-lovely-blog-plus-you-are-loved/
Just because You Are Loved!
Dolly xoxo
June 14th, 2012 at 7:15 am
Thank you, Dolly!
June 14th, 2012 at 7:52 am
You’re very welcome
Cheers!
June 13th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
I can’t even tell you how happy I am that I blog hopped over here to your blog. I don’t remember where I came from, but I know that it was a good day when I found you. You never fail to inspire me or give me a good chuckle. I was given an award and was told to nominate bloggers I admire. From one lovely blogger to another: http://theforgottenwife.com/2012/06/13/from-one-lovely-blogger-to-another/
June 14th, 2012 at 7:14 am
Thank you for the nomination; I’m glad we’ve discovered each other’s work.
June 15th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
I figure Le Clown would probably command me to come over here anyway so I may as well visit and follow you now.
June 26th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Hello Transparentguy,
You’ve got a nice blog up here. I’ve been enjoying it. So please keep penning and keep inspiring!
I would like to thank you for the beautiful footprints you have left in my blog and for following my blog. I hope my blog doesn’t disappoint you and that your visits there have been and will always be a joyful ride.
Thank you again and lovely day to you!
Subhan Zein
June 27th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Thank you for stopping by and reading. I’ve enjoyed your blog, too. I’ve been so busy the past few weeks I haven’t kept up with everyone as much as I’d like.
July 1st, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Your page is interesting, Transparentguy. You got me hooked up! I’ll visit more often.
July 1st, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Glad you stopped by. Your journey looks interesting, too, from the peek I’ve had at your blog.
July 1st, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Keep writing. And I’ll keep reading. Stay in touch, dude!
July 1st, 2012 at 10:02 pm
Cool blog. My favorite dentist did the same. I look forward to reading about your transition and I love humor.
July 1st, 2012 at 11:46 pm
I had no idea it was possible to like dentists enough to have a favorite one. I’m glad you stopped by the blog.
July 1st, 2012 at 11:49 pm
He, now She was a very good dentist.Never hurt me, much.
July 4th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Howdy! Thanks for stoppin’ by Rockin’ the Purple. Did you find me because of the commenting fiasco?! I tagged that post carefully! >:-D
Good on you–gotta be comfortable in one’s skin. Many people don’t want to look at their own discomfort, so they miss out on the next thing! Best to you!
July 4th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
I found you looking through the Humor posts, but clicked around on your blog a bit and found the piece on the wacky WordPress updates.
I’m still not used to the way the reader displays things or how the comments and notifications show up now. I’m old and set in my ways!
July 4th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
hell yeah! stop changin’ my stuff! it’s bad enough when I change!
July 16th, 2012 at 9:33 am
I’ve already enjoyed what I’ve read and look forward to reading a lot more of your stuff. I need to pull an all-nighter like your previous reader commented. Thanks for the cool words and a unique perspective. Laughter is the way . . . xo Julia
July 16th, 2012 at 7:07 pm
Thanks so much for coming by and checking out the blog.
July 18th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Once upon a time, you nominated me for a 7 X 7 Link Award. Well, now it’s my turn to officially return the favor, since somebody nominated me for another award. I hereby announce and claim that I have nominated Transman for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. (Tag! You’re it! Bwa ha ha ha ha!) http://hollybernabe.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/inpirational-blogger-award/
July 18th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
I thank you and shake my fist at you at the same time!
September 16th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Hello,
Just letting you know that I’ve nominated you for One Lovely Blogger Award.
Check it out http://thejennymacbookblog.wordpress.com/
September 24th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
Thanks, Chelsea … I’ve been lazy about this, but thank you.
September 24th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
You’re welcome and don’t worry about it.
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:47 pm
I have to say, after reading through your posts, I feel honored that you like one of my posts
Despite the serious nature of your topic, your writing style is so funny and lively. You are a true inspiration, a testament to the human spirit. I will have to put you under my ‘inspiration’ category soon!
I hope we can keep in touch!
September 24th, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Thank you. You do a great job of mixing serious topics with lively writing and photos. Glad you like the blog.
September 24th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Thank you for the compliment!
September 26th, 2012 at 12:09 am
Thank you so much! It really means a lot
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Also, I love your openness! Your blog about Johnny Depp and Middle Eastern music? How did you even make that connection, lol
(I love Middle Eastern music btw, even though I had to listen to Umm Kulthum sing “Habibi” over….and over…and OVER in the car when my dad was driving, lol
September 24th, 2012 at 7:08 pm
Every so often someone lands on my blog searching for “Johnny Depp” written in Arabic. I’m just want them to be happy.
Re: Umm Kulthum over and over … yes, I know the feeling.
November 17th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Say what now?! You’ve said enough. I will eat this blog up like candy. Yum! Thank you!!!!!
November 20th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
You had me at “… except I gave birth to them.” Same here, man.
January 1st, 2013 at 12:41 pm
I agree with the first commenter, Jules. This blog is both breathtaking and badass. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your humor!
January 6th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Thank you for reading and commenting.
January 5th, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Hi have nominated you for this if you’re interested http://artofstumbling.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/its-awards-time-duh-duh-duh/
January 6th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Thank you!
January 7th, 2013 at 3:09 am
Hi Transman,
I hope it is not too late to say Happy New Year to You. May 2013 bring you more happiness, success, and love. I would like to thank you because you keep following my blog. I hope my blog posts do not disappoint and that your visits have been a joyride.
Thank you, and many blessings and much love to you.
Subhan Zein
January 7th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Thank you. I hope 2013 brings you lots of joy, magic, love, and creativity. Your posts always show me something new.
January 25th, 2013 at 5:43 am
T Man I have nominated you for the Leibster Award.
January 25th, 2013 at 5:06 pm
Thank you. Sorry for calling you evil. I meant it in the best way.
January 25th, 2013 at 5:23 pm
I might even give you some super annoying kisses on the cheek.
February 23rd, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Transman, you sound fascinating. I can’t wait to read your posts. Nice to meet you. – Amy
February 23rd, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Thank you for coming by to check out the blog.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:29 am
Thanks for the follow and sharing your story. I’ll need a few stops to catch up. Good journey.
February 28th, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoy it.
March 5th, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Miss Snarky Pants recommended your blog to me many months ago and I’m just now getting to it… I have a great friend who has been transitioning for the past few years, going from nearly-suicidal, to a happy, productive potter, and it’s been such a joy to witness and support. I’m going to send this to her!! xLaura
March 5th, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Thank you, Laura!
March 24th, 2013 at 10:56 am
Thank you so much for the ‘follow’ at Minkyweasel World. I’ll be popping in here occasionally
Shirley Anne x
March 26th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Thanks!
April 29th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Merci pour le fait d’ajouter!!! |ʍ|–0.o–|ʍ| Rock on!
April 29th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
Thank you!
May 7th, 2013 at 12:25 pm
Just wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Interesting Blog Award: http://midmus.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/wow-gosh-blimey/ . Good luck!
May 7th, 2013 at 9:18 pm
Thank you very much!