PETS
Stories of Transgender People And How Their Pets Affect Their Transition
6
I bond with any and all dogs. This is JD my neighbor’s dog who I get to housesit for. He is a rescue pit mix. JD never liked “men” and knew me for years as a female when I started my transition. I moved away (got a divorce, etc.) I thought I wouldn’t be able to come back and have the same relationship with him. But when I saw him months later, he stood back from me until I called his name, he came running up to me, tail wagging, and even with my deepened voice, accepted me. I’ve been on T for eleven months. Animals are more “soul based” than gender based in my experience.
28
TRANSMAN
JD
he/him/his
Charlie he/him/his
I have been transitioning for sixteen months. My kitten Jolene is four months old and helps me through transition not only by providing me company when I am feeling agoraphobic and antisocial, but also by helping me to feminize my voice! Talking to her in a baby voice actually helps me so much in the feminization process.
22
TRANSWOMAN
JOLENE
she/her/hers
JENNA she/her/hers
Charlie helped me with my transition because we found her and her four siblings, and raised them all at the same time I got top surgery. I was sitting on the floor and she climbed up on me and I had to catch her because she fell asleep on me. I knew I was going to take a kitten but she literally chose me. I wouldn’t want it any other way. She used to fall asleep in the pocket of my button down shirts that I wore while recovering. She also helps me realize that I feel like I’m doing enough and she reminds me every day that I am loved and wanted. It’s just unconditional love. I love my cat.
23
TRANSMAN
CHARLIE
she/her/hers
jay
he/him/his
no matter what gender, we are all human.
@transzine @transgeneration1 2016