@DataDrake I don't post/comment often but just had to let you know that even though I don't personally know you I think you are amazing and brave, it can take a lot of courage to just be who you are (or who you were meant to be), thanks for sharing that with us, super happy for you 😄

So freaking proud of you, Beatrice! It's all about what feels right, and I'm happy you made the right decision.

First of all, I want to say that I really respect that you were able to not only successfully come to terms with yourself regarding your personal identity, but also that you were able to identify and find your true self which is a huge feat in itself.

Not only you were able to do that, you also felt confident, forth-coming, and open enough to share it all with us.

I'm happy for your achievements and have immense respect for you, Beatrice / DataDrake and I wish you all the best in terms of your future endeavours and the journey through life.


I'm just now seeing this, but as a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, just know that there are millions of people who support you! It took me a while to figure this out myself, but once I opened my eyes I see the whole world in a new, positive way. I am glad you've had time to reflect on yourself and are courageous enough to become who you truly are inside. I know sometimes it isn't easy. Wishing you all the best! You're a rockstar! ❤️

Transliteration from Pretty in Pink: "You remain now and will always be DataDrake".

13 days later

@DataDrake

I am incredibly proud of your choice to make your transition and even more impressed with the thoughtful, organized and deeply researched and detailed blogpost informing everyone about your transition.

My home is smack in the middle of one of the largest gay neighborhoods in the United States and I've been involved at the community level for over 15 years. Trans issues have always been difficult for me to effectively advocate for because of the complexity of the issue and the addition of so much new terminology needed to fully grasp the spectrum of gender and sexuality.

My best friend of over 20 years is trans and started hormone therapy last year.

Despite growing up in, advocating for, and being surrounded by so many LGBTQ causes and issues, even with a best friend going through a transition.. I've never been able to articulate or really advocate for trans issues because I did not understand them.

IMO, your blog post is the best explanation of the transition process that I have ever seen. You did an amazing job of being transparent and upfront while still setting boundaries and limitations of what others should expect from you.

I am really proud of you.. not just for your transition but for the work and effort you undertook to articulate your transition to others in a way that made sense. You are not just helping yourself.. you are giving an outline for going through a transition to people who may not know where to begin doing so.. and you are helping educate and inform others so that we can better understand this experience.

May the next chapter of your life be full of happiness, inspiration and peace.

5 days later

Thank you, Beatrice, for sharing something so personal with us.
I, for one, was deeply affected by it, despite having only this slight acquaintance with you through this community.
I wish you all the best.

2 months later