People have been telling me for years that I should make a "go fund me" campaign to help raise money for my SRS ( sex reassignment surgery ). So I did, a couple of weeks ago and for the most part I've gotten a lot of wonderful supportive messages and, well, some not. So, I'd like to share some of the messages with you.
I received a couple of messages that were very similar from different people saying: "Isnt it embarrassing that everyone is going to know what happened to you?" Also "Omg social media doesn't need to know all your business, how could you shame your family like that?"
My response: It isn't embarrassing at all nor is it anything to be proud of. I was born transgender, I was molested and I had an abusive childhood. These are all facts and if anything I am survivor! I do believe my story needs to be told and if I can help a young child out I'm going to tell my story, stand strong and brave and hopefully I can be an inspiration to many others like me.
A childhood neighbor said to me "You were just a gay little boy growing up, we [accepted] you, I don't know why you're doing all of this."
My response: I was conditioned from early on, it was drilled in my head "I was a faggot" as my Mom and other family members have told me over and over and over. So yes I did live and lead a gay lifestyle until I was 35. However, one of the hardest things to do in this world is to accept and embrace the true you. I was never truly happyin my mind I wasn't gay, I was a straight woman. As I learned through years of therapy, you cannot make everyone understand you nor should you try to educate the entire world. Some people are just going to get it and some will never get it.
I had numerous trans women from all over the world who contacted me stating that this was a scam campaign, quoting different costs saying "The operation only cost $15,000 in my country so must not be real," and another saying, "This has to be a scam because I paid $125,000 for SRS, and what makes you so special you think people are going to give money for you?"
My response: I knew I would receive some flack, however I was disappointed it came from trans individuals. We all have a choice in which doctor we choose and how much work we want done on our bodies. I am aware that there are different costs all over the world for this operation. My choice is to stay here in the U.S. and have my SRS done by a very reputable surgeon, Dr. Marci Bowers out of California. As for me "thinking" I'm special, it's your choice to either support me and/or send a donation or not, so there's no need for ignorant and rude comments.
What I find amazing and has touched my heart is I received a handful messages from trans woman on all different levels of their transition stating "go for it girl, tell your story, we support you!" And "I wish I could do the same." Also, "I want to start transitioning but I don't know how."
My response: Trust me, it took many years for me to finally embrace and love myself. You definitely have to have a tough skin to transition. You sort of have to put yourself on display out there and you never know what kind of reaction society is going to give you. It can be very scary and dangerous at times, as we all know. My advice is if you're wanting to transition, seek a doctor, do it the right way. Nice and slow, let the hormones gradually transition your body before you start having any sort of "work done."
To read my story and/or make a donation, please go to my go fund me page: www.gofundme.com/2jq5er4s .
Angelique Munro is an entertainer, host/show director and transgender-HIV/AIDS advocate and motivational speaker.