On February 6, 2003, there’s no doubt I lived one the most significant days in my life.

Photograph (February 6, 2003): Autumn Sandeen working at the Veterans Affairs Patient Health Library. It was her first day presenting to the world as Autumn.On that day, I showed up at my job as a work-study at the San Diego Veterans Administration Patient Health Library. It was the first day in my life that I publicly lived as Autumn, so February 6th, 2003 was my “coming out” day.

To the right is a photo taken at the Patient Health Library on that first day as Autumn. I’d say now that it’s not a very pretty picture of me, but it is a photo that has a lot of meaning for me. I still even have that outfit in my closet; however, both the blouse and the skirt are way too big on me now.

So began my diary marking this same anniversary last year. Now seven years ago today, the anniversary of having lived my first public day as Autumn. In a very real way, February 6th, 2003 was the day I came out of my closet to begin living my female gender truth. It was one of the most meaningful days of my life.

I have no regret to transitioning. I’m probably in the most centered place in my life due to in large part to living of my gender truth in a way that works for me.

Emoticon: Two smilie faces clinking together their coffee cupsSo if you drink a cup of coffee today, tip the cup, and share warm thoughts of living your own truth — On this day I remember the hope and joy I feel on most days since beginning to live my gender truth seven years ago today.

As usual, I’ll be drinking a decaf double-shot hammerhead.

~~~~~

Related:

* Sixth Anniversary As Autumn