Pre Op, Post Op, Coming Out Again, Fighting for Equality, Running for office.

"With Liberty & Justice for All"

Those words mean so much more to me now than ever before. We take our freedom's for granted. Especially those of us, who have never had to "fight" for our rights. In the last few weeks I have had many moments where the only word I can use to describe my journey is "Overcome"

I have been overcome by love, and support through my transition, through top surgery, through my fight for justice against corporate bullies who harassed me, and endangered my life, simply because I am transgender.

In the past month I have also done a lot of fighting.

• I fought the Comal River and it's powerful undertow
• I fought for time off for top surgery
• I fought to be healthy enough to participate in the 7th Annual Stonewall Rally, where I proudly sat on a green toilet, and represented my trans brothers and sisters rights to pee, and read the names of those who have been murdered this year for being themselves
• At times I have fought pain, both physical and emotional

One thing I stopped fighting, I came out at my job as transgender and stopped protecting my identity as a Transgender Man. I gave that up! I came out to my bosses, and I am not longer hiding it from my employees. I took a very public stand for trans rights. I believe that I must fight for those who cannot, and stand up for change.

But through all of this, my God has been faithful, and has been my strong shelter, my strength, and He has overcome this world. This world that is filled with hatred, pain, death and sorrow.

At times I feel somber, and joyful. Having this surgery was such a huge part of my transition, and I cannot even begin to express the words of how wonderful, and relieved and grateful I feel. I could not have done this without the support both emotionally, and financially of so many wonderful people God has put in my life. My Mom and Dad were such amazing caretakers through my recovery, and I love them so much and am so grateful for all their love and support. I am also grateful for my sisters, and the millions of text and facebook post showing me love.

At other times during my recovery, I have felt a sense of excitement for all the things to come. On the agenda

• Running for Cedar Park City Council Later This Year
• I turned in my application to be on the Austin LGBTQ Commission
• I will be helping my pastor (and giving testimony) for a fall sermon series
• I am also going to be helping with the Central Texas Transgender Healthcare Coalitions Conference in September of this year; To help educate physicians on the struggles that Transgender patients face in getting proper healthcare without discrimination
• Also doing work through the coalition to help educate the Trans community on how to maneuver the healthcare system and understand insurance exclusion

For all of these things to come, I hope that you will join me in fighting for a better future, and for social justice and equality for all people.