I’m doing the yearly visit of my transphobic parents and grandparents this weekend and have to hide my boobs. Can’t wait to rock a binder and hoodie in almost 30 degree weather 😭
When I started transitioning I asked everyone to call me Bethany/Beth, it's a lovely name and close to my dead-name so is convenient. Whenever I told people I go by Beth now they all have a "oh yeah that makes sense" kinda reaction, even my unsupportive parents, which has been nice. However for the past month I've been worried that I'll always think of my dead-name whenever I hear it, and that I will regret going for the most convenient option.
The other name I've been using this month is Valorie. I enjoy that it's completely detached from my dead-name and is a bit more unique. However I've asked a couple friends to call me Valorie but for some reason I feel a little more embarrassed when I tell them. It's not even a far-out name like lots of people go for, but it still feels a little more niche and I have an anxiety that I won't be taken as seriously.
So yeah, the reactions to Bethany have been so positive and I do like the name, but it's close to my dead-name so might be something I really regret once I've fully socially transitioned. And Valorie is another name I like and feels like a completely new person, but I worry people who know me pre-tansition won't take it seriously, and I'm also unsure how I'd feel if people shorten it to Val.
Any thoughts would be appreciated, thank you!!