Then I am ready....

[dolari]

In 1996, I fled from a bad situation in San Antonio, Texas to State College, Pennsylvania with little more than the clothes on my back. I had one friend there, and, over the next five years, I made many more. I made my transition there and became a much stronger woman with the help of the fine folks I'd met. Although there were very tough years there...they were good times.

While I really finally felt like I belonged in PA, we realized, that we were at the top of our game there and there was no where left to go. We made plans to come back to Texas. A decision we didn't regret.

I met more people here I would trust my life with than anywhere else I've lived. There have been very rough times, but many good ones. It was here I started my comics. It was here I met so many people who picked me up when I was down. I really created the beginnings of a career.

And now I'm leaving all that. All the friends, the good job, and a state I've considered home all my life.

Im leaving Texas because they've made it clear that politically I'm not welcome here. Im leaving for a place where im protected and actually HAVE legal recourse for discrimination. More tolerant climes....

I've debated wether I should leave. Fight on like my activist friends. But then...

I've been asking myself a lot lately..."WHAT AM I DOING?" Then I look into Emily's eyes and I know exactly what im doing and why.

I'll miss Texas. And who knows...maybe...just maybe...Texas'll wise up and we'll come home for good.

Thanks for eight good years, everyone. We'll see you again. I know it.