Support The Way to Winnie

The Way to Winnie

As many of you now know, I have come to the realization that I was born in the wrong body- that after all these years of feeling like something wasn’t quite right, the stars have aligned and so much of my life suddenly makes sense.

After all this time, it initially came as quite a shock; the question of the idea of the possibility of the chance that I could actually be transgender…shouldn’t I have known this my whole life? Shouldn’t I, in a life full of radical acceptance, been aware of this very glaring detail?

Well, upon my egg cracking, it all came flooding out…and after deep soul-searching, both outwardly with medical professionals and inwardly with self-work, it all began to click; I have known this my whole life. And, turns out, as I’ve come to learn; it’s simply science.

I've always accepted myself for who I am (which, let’s face it, was usually the gayest person in the room lol)- with no place to hide, I still lived my life with a glass-half-full attitude, no matter what I was up against. Now, as I turn the corner on 40, it shall be no different...but I'm going to need a lot of help to truly become Who I Am.

So it is with this full heart that I ask for your support, if able and willing, as this transition will require plenty of resources. Gratefully, Illinois has several laws requiring insurance plans to cover most gender-affirming care, and be assured I am utilizing that aid to as full extent as possible- though unfortunately those resources only extend so far.

I appreciate any assistance you can provide, even if it's simply in the form of love and emotional support. It will mean the world to me and be so so immensely helpful.

I can't wait for everyone to get to know a fully-realized Winnie <3

With all the love and appreciation,

Winifred

(Win, Winnie, Fred, Freddie)

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Why the name Winifred?

My whole life my mom (lovingly known as The Deb) always told me how much I reminded her of her own mom, whom she lost when she was just 21 years old.

"Oh I wish you could have known your grandma Winnie...you're so much alike; the same no-bullsh*t attitude, the same wry sense of humor...I just know you two would have been trouble together."

Even though my sweet angel of a mother is no longer with us, I feel she would be thrilled for me to honor them both by taking her mom's name. When the idea came to me, I could have swore it was mom leaning over my shoulder, whispering it in my ear. It just felt right.