I just wanted to give a brief update after I posted about my surgery yesterday.

Reactions

First, within hours, I already had replies from around half a dozen trans people who have had to make similar decisions, who feel the complexity of grief, joy, anger, despair, and self-fulfillment, among a host of other feelings that all stem from the massive injustice that we are experiencing. They expressed that the words I wrote articulated the feelings that they have been experiencing, but didn't know how to express. It has been simultaneously a relief to not feel alone in this complexity, but also so very upsetting to know that there are so many that are experiencing this. This is not isolated. This is systemic. This is injustice.

Solidarity, empathy, and compassion are the best tools we have to get through this. So, thank you for listening, for working to understand, for speaking up, for reaching out.

Recovery

I want to let you know about my status and how I'm doing.

• I got home last night. The surgery went extremely well.
• I was in a lot of physical pain yesterday, but I am doing a lot better today.
• Recovery will take some time, but I'll be taking it easy, and I am well.

Yesterday and today, despite my complex feelings, I've been allowing myself only to feel the fullness of joy and relief, in every way.

Gratitude

I am incredibly appreciative of each one of you who has taken time to either reply to my newsletter through email, or to reach out in other ways, to offer food, company, those how have cried for me and celebrated me, offered chat and distraction, love and support. Each one of you reaching out has been precious to me. Your words and actions matter to me. You matter to me.

I'll keep this one short.

From the bottom of my heart,

Thank you.

no ends, only means