As recently as six months ago, I never, ever would have considered sharing our story in the News & Observer, our regional newspaper. But you can find it here, in today’s paper, with photos, splashed across the front of the features section. (Many thanks to the editors there for treating us with respect and sensitivity.)
Some people are surprised to hear me say that being in a paper with a 220,000 circulation is scarier than being in the Boston Globe or New York Times. Are you kidding? N&O readers are my friends, neighbors, former classmates (from elementary school to high school – Sanderson Class of ’75). They’re my car mechanics, church fellows, hair stylists, colleagues, rivals. They’re Lina’s office mates, running acquaintances, friends. So, yeah, we’re scared.
But here’s the thing. Lina and I wanted to pay it forward. We wanted to be brave, to honor all the people who have traveled this path before us, the people who have cleared the way for us, risked their lives and their jobs and their families. The risk is less so these days, but, damn, it is not easy to shine the spotlight on something in your life that society views as taboo, shameful, and worse. And Lina, what a woman! Not only is she beautiful inside and out, she’s courageous as hell.
The other reason I’ve written about us is because I can, which I’ve mused about before. Because I’m a journalist, I have more access to the media than the average person does. I’ve never taken that for granted, and I’ve tried to use it for the greater good in many, many ways over the past three decades. I hope our story achieves that purpose.
So here’s to love!
She Was the Man of My Dreams 
Fantastic story, Diane. Very beautifully written. And it makes me cry ever damn time I read it — such bravery and love.
Thanks, K. Really appreciate it!
So well written and I am so proud of you for tell it! FFS in Raleigh surprised me; I’d not heard of that local possibility before.
Thanks, Danielle. Yes, I think Keelee MacPhee’s entry into the field has been a godsend to locals. We know several people who have gone to her and loved her.
Somehow this is the first I’ve heard. I’d have expected someone like my therapist to be a source but she was silent. Then again, given the relationship I had with that therapist, I’m not exactly surprised.
There was a point when that was the highest priority on my list. Finances didn’t work out to actually fund it in a reasonable term (a few years) and I began to find that I was one of the ones fortunate enough to do just fine without it. I still worry a bit about certain facial features, but…
Loved the story and the photo! Here’s to love, indeed! And to both of you wonderful people. xo!
Thanks, Patty!