u/MichelleT88

I had one of the most unexpectedly wholesome moments at work the other night.
I’m almost 38, started my transition about 8 years ago, and I work in long-term care. When I first started in healthcare, I had a lot of reservations about how residents—especially those who grew up in much different times—might perceive me as a transgender woman.
A few nights ago, I was helping a 94-year-old resident who grew up in Germany. During our conversation, he shared that he was gay and told me a little about what it was like growing up gay during Nazi Germany. He said he’s amazed by how much the world has changed since then.
That gave me the confidence to tell him that I’m transgender. He smiled, said he never would have known, and then said, “You look radiant, my dear.”
I don’t know why, but those words have really stayed with me.
I know not every interaction is going to be like this, and everyone’s circumstances are different. But if you’re considering working in healthcare or volunteering with seniors and you’re worried about how you’ll be received, don’t assume they’ll all judge you because of their age. Some of the people who have lived through the darkest chapters of history have developed incredible empathy.
Sometimes the people you expect to understand you the least end up surprising you the most.