Navigating Life and Identity Amidst a Tropical Storm
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Chapter 1: A Stormy Sunday
Today promises to be quite hectic. A significant tropical storm is looming over the Yucatan, possibly escalating into a hurricane, prompting me to gather food and supplies. Two trips to the store might be necessary, assuming the weather cooperates. Yesterday, heavy rain kept me indoors, and without a car, running errands in bad weather is challenging.
Last year, my wife and I were fortunate with the weather in Cancun; the rainy season was brief, and the tropical storms were mild. However, this year has been different. In June, it rained incessantly, leading my dog to express his displeasure by barking at me and jumping up in frustration, unable to stay outside for more than ten minutes without getting drenched. Poor guy seems equally fed up with our life in Mexico.
When we decided to retire early in Cancun, we were influenced by numerous YouTube videos portraying it as an idyllic choice. However, both my wife and I are struggling to adapt to the culture here; the shock is overwhelming. We anticipated significant savings, but the reality has proven otherwise.
We find ourselves longing for the familiar comforts of home, especially the United States, despite its political chaos. While Mexico has its charm, it simply doesn’t feel right for us, prompting thoughts of returning to Illinois, where tax laws favor retirees. In Illinois, withdrawals from certain retirement accounts aren’t taxed, unlike many other states.
It baffles me that one can be taxed again on income that was already taxed when earned. This seems unjust! The GOP has prioritized attacking the LGBTQIA+ community rather than creating beneficial tax laws for retirees, yet they manage to provide tax cuts for billionaires.
On a positive note, Illinois is generally a safe state for transgender individuals, with anti-discrimination protections in place. Overall, it offers more resources for trans people than many other states. The Chicago area, where we lived before contemplating the move to Mexico, seems to be the best fit for us. In hindsight, staying put may have been the wiser decision, but one can never truly know without exploring new paths.
I’ve experienced gender dysphoria since I was four, always feeling that I should have been born female. Unfortunately, many refuse to acknowledge this as a genuine condition, though it is just as valid as any other serious human experience. In Illinois, I’ll have access to therapists and support groups in virtually any town we choose.
Understanding the distinction between biological sex and gender can be challenging for many. Sex pertains to physical anatomy, while gender relates to one's internal sense of self. Unfortunately, societal conditioning often encourages conformity, leaving little room for those who live differently.
The intertwining of politics and religion with public education further complicates the situation, creating divisions rather than fostering unity among future leaders. This design serves the interests of those in power, maintaining the status quo.
Despite societal structures, transgender individuals have existed throughout history and will persist. It falls upon us, as members of the trans community, to advocate for positive change. Will such change ever come? It’s difficult to say, especially while financial gain and power remain humanity's primary motivations.
As I wrap up my reflections for the morning, I must prepare to take my dog out and then walk to the grocery store to gather supplies for the week—just as any typical person would.
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Perhaps those intent on causing division should immerse themselves in literature instead of attempting to ban it; they might discover something valuable.