Hello I am...Sharon

[TVet]

I am, first of all, 54 years old. I'm only posting because I feel there is a need to try and reach out. I have lived almost completely as a recluse except for volunteering at church and lately-group Lent studies.

I am also a military veteran diagnosed with PTSD and social phobias and being transgendered on top of it has been sheer hell for me. I hope Soulforce succeeds beyond its wildest dreams because truly- the hate must stop. I was ex-communicated from the Seventh Day Adventist church after being accused of being a "gay male" and being demanded to submit to exorcism.

I was also illegally suspended from the University of Akron and I was harassed and abused by the campus police there.

Thanks for listening.

[scott snedeker]

Change is already here......and more is coming. We are all going to see the world become a kinder place with each passing year.

[andrewlittle]

Having never actually experienced that kind of inhuman abuse and rejection, on top of other traumas, I can only try to comprehend the pain and anguish you feel. I can, however include you in my prayers for healing - for the figurative hands of God embracing your weary heart in love and acceptance to be tangible for you.

Reach out here all you can - there are many willing loving people here, not to mention transgendered or those partnered with transgendered folks, who will have empathy with your story. I have also seen PTSD frequently discussed. And, because the church is such a loving organization sometimes, we have tons of people healing from spiritual damage.

It seems to me you're just like one of the gang here, so step right in and make yourself comfy.

[Zerbie]

((( Sharon )))

Huge hugs from someone who knows PTSD only too well.

I'm so sorry for all that awfulness that was dumped on you. Ugh!! Shudder. (shakes the yuckiness away)

You've found a safe place now. You will find many caring kind souls here. Yay! Now you have a group of friends to come share with - internet can be great if in-person interaction is too overwhelming. You can always stop reading for a while if something bothers you. But I hope you won't.

I hope you'll stick around.

Nice to meet you Sharon.

Best wishes.

[Vanessa White]

I applaud your courage and determination to finally break out of your isolation and seek out some genuine, concerned souls. YOu will find much comfort and support here. Come around as often as you need. I feel for the pain you have experienced up to this point in your life. I hope that coming here will be a new beginning of sorts for you.

Welcome to our rather large, happy family!!!

Peace and love, Vanessa

[Sherrie Z]

Welcome, Sharon!

Thank you for sharing your story with us ... I concur with the various comments above, and I'm also sending you lots of big hugs ... as LGBT persons and allies, we love you just the way you are, and you are very welcome here.

By the way, you're not the only one here in your 50's, and with a disability that keeps you at home much of the time (same for me, though with a different health condition), and of course you are clearly not the only one here who feels that religious and other forms of oppression has to stop ... and fortunately Soulforce is a place that brings about that kind of change.

I hope you'll continue to join with us ... we love you! : )

Love & Hugs,

Sherrie Z

[JudB]

I am sorry things have gone this way for you. Hang in and hang with Soulfoce.

[RedJ]

Having grown up SDA I know the feeling of not being able to move forward or go back. I have felt that no matter what I do or don't do...I'm wrong! I'm so sorry they put you through that! If you haven't already, check out SDAkinship.org it never hurts to be affirmed! Thank you for leading the way to knowledge in such a closed minded religion (mostly closed minded)

[Gennee]

Hi Sharon and welcome. I'm a transgender person who has also served in the military. I'm sorry about all the troubles you've had but this is a safe place to share with us. I've never had PTSD but I studied about it in my master's course and have a much better understanding about it.

I'm 62 now, and have been out for over five years. My spouse knows and she is accepting. If there's anything you like to know or share don't hesitate to do so.

Gennee

[jcarson]

I'm anewcomer to this site and I am also over 50. I don't understand the term transgender or even bi-sexual. I understand the others terms. I'm trying to find my place in this world also. Have not met people to be real with. Church is not accepting. Any information on the two terms that I mentioned would be appreciated.