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Fatemah2774

(245 posts)
Mon Apr 10, 2017, 03:29 PM Apr 2017

Introduction

Hello everyone,

I have posted some comments on DU, but never really had the guts to try to write something of interest. However, seeing that I can post maybe I can just introduce myself to everyone. I do love writing and hope you enjoy my story.

I am an African American transsexual who lives in NYC. I am also a US Navy veteran, and an accountant. That is, until I came out several years ago. I lost my job, my apartment, became homeless, and after several suicide attempts was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder. Funny how I went from one category of minority being male to transitioning to be female. Oh, and I am also muslim.

I have battled so many demons and truly felt that there was no way for me to ever be happy. However, obtaining disability, Medicare, the love and support of my family, and yes, I even found a Muslim man and we are scheduled to get married next year has made me feel a whole lot better about myself.

So, now I feel a strength and vibrancy that I thought would never be. And during some of those trying times, I returned back to this site for inspiration, humor, and acceptance. I just want to say thank you to all of you posters, and thank you DU for making me see a brighter and better world.

Thank you
Michelle Fatemah Abdus-Shakur

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Introduction (Original Post) Fatemah2774 Apr 2017 OP
Welcome! furtheradu Apr 2017 #1
Welcome hug shenmue Apr 2017 #2
Welcome to DU, Michelle. sheshe2 Apr 2017 #3
Hello and Welcome. Solly Mack Apr 2017 #4
Welcome and nothing but love from this old, white atheist. OriginalGeek Apr 2017 #5
Welcome home. TygrBright Apr 2017 #6
Welcome to DU! csziggy Apr 2017 #7
Welcome and please stay true to yourself, sounds like you are Moostache Apr 2017 #8
You are welcome here madokie Apr 2017 #9

furtheradu

(1,865 posts)
1. Welcome!
Mon Apr 10, 2017, 03:43 PM
Apr 2017

I enJOY a goood story! Happy You are on a happier Path. Yes, DU can sure help us thru troubling times!
Best wishes to YOU!

sheshe2

(83,934 posts)
3. Welcome to DU, Michelle.
Mon Apr 10, 2017, 04:43 PM
Apr 2017

Thank you for sharing a bit about you with us. Congrats on your upcoming marriage as well.

Solly Mack

(90,788 posts)
4. Hello and Welcome.
Mon Apr 10, 2017, 04:51 PM
Apr 2017

Be your truth. It can be painful but, in the end, it's all we have as a person.

Love your sig. line.

I wish you well.

OriginalGeek

(12,132 posts)
5. Welcome and nothing but love from this old, white atheist.
Mon Apr 10, 2017, 05:21 PM
Apr 2017

I hate that you had to go through much pain to get to a better place. The world will be improved when everyone can be who they are without fear. You can count on me to support you in that.

TygrBright

(20,771 posts)
6. Welcome home.
Mon Apr 10, 2017, 06:26 PM
Apr 2017

DU is an online community for so many of us. When someone introduces their self and says "this is who I am" we grow and DU becomes a richer place for all of us.

So, thank YOU.

appreciatively,
Bright

Moostache

(9,897 posts)
8. Welcome and please stay true to yourself, sounds like you are
Mon Apr 10, 2017, 06:32 PM
Apr 2017

I wish you and your husband all the happiness and joy that my marriage of 21 years has brought to me. The most important thing in the world is love - seeking it, finding it, nourishing it, spreading it...and it sounds like you already know that!

I am happy for you and wish you peace, contentment and love for the rest of your days...enough to counter the hate and division that you have been forced to endure in your life. I'm glad that you weren't successful in the attempts to take your life, and I thank you for sharing your story as I am sure that is not always the easiest thing to do.

Enjoy your stay and please become a voice in the community, you have a unique perspective for sure and what makes us great is not the ways we are alike, but the ways we can help each other see things just that little bit different.

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