@willasaywhat

Willa

You don't seem very vocal about your Trans-ness. Like you'd rather just exist as a woman than admit your previous life. Do you think all trans people should opt for this (blending in quietly) or should there be Trans Activists? I think both have their roles! Kisses!

I would like to "just exist as a woman", but my past is also a large part of my life.
I try not to let my life be overcome by the fact that I'm trans, and I try not to discuss the past in mixed company because of where those questions inevitably lead. I don't, at all, think that every trans person should go the same route as I've chosen. For me, being trans was a blip in my reality. It isn't a massive chasm I've crossed that separates the past from the present. It doesn't define me, or at least I strive for it not to.
My accounts on social media were slightly modified to reflect my new identity, but all of the history (and consequently memories) are all there if you dig deep enough. When I transitioned I made a conscious choice not to hide. My life is much the same. We have old wedding pictures up on the walls along with my Bachelor's degree which I've neglected to update. There are hints of the past everywhere, but the future is so bright that I rarely look back.
While I am quiet, I consider myself quiet activist. I speak up when I need to, and I say things that need to be said to move the needle to where it needs to be. I've been hurt by doing that in the past, but I can't steer away from it. That said, the reasons I fight are selfish. I want a world where I can be safe, where I can be free, and where my rights are preserved. I want my son to grow up in that world. I have been rather vocal lately on the matters of HB2, bathroom bills and resolutions (Marion County), as well as the Target gun wielding bathroom police. I don't enjoy being vulnerable in that way, but sometimes it is necessary to lend credibility to my criticism of those legislations.
To be more succinct, I've never been a *loud* kind of person. I prefer to just live, and have that life speak volumes where my voice has not. That method isn't for everyone, nor is it better or worse than anyone else's choice. It just happens to be mine.

Latest answers from Willa

How are you feeling?

To be honest? Not great. Having a lot of issues with friends and family, got trapped in a gauntlet of traffic today, and I’m a little depressed.

Are you usually late, early or right on time?

I try to be 5 minutes early to everything, but with my family that usually results in us being 5 minutes late. My father instilled in me that “if you’re not early, you’re late”.

What invention has had the greatest impact on society? And why?

The smartphone, because it instantly connected so many people and gave them access to information across the globe at their fingertips.

Do you like short or long hair on someone of the opposite sex?

It depends? Usually short hair for men, but I don’t usually use that as criteria for attraction. If that makes sense.

What is your favorite candy?

I really like fruity, hard candy, but they don’t sell much of it anymore. Roundtree Fruit Pastels and Fruit Gums are up there, though.

Candles or incense?

That’s a tough one. I use candles and a diffuser for essential oils, but I’d love to try incense sometime.

What is the one thing you want most in your life right now

Right this second? To not be in pain and feel well rested.
In the big picture? To be happy with who I am, and let myself be loved for who I am. I’m pretty terrible at both of those.
Oh, and for the entire current U.S. administration to be replaced with people who aren’t trying to kill me. That’d be fantastic.

Language: English