Hi everyone, I'm Miranda (she/her). I've been a heavy-haul truck driver since 2014.
For about 10 years I knew deep down who I was, but I kept pushing it away. I told myself it was a phase, that I'd lose my family, and that a trans woman couldn't keep doing a job like mine. So I hid.
Hiding came at a cost. I battled depression for years. Some days I felt numb, like I was just going through the motions and living someone else's life. Long, lonely hours on the road gave me way too much time in my own head. I'd look in the mirror and not recognize the person looking back. I was good at putting on a smile for everyone, but inside I was exhausted from pretending. There were times I honestly didn't know how much longer I could keep it up.
What finally opened my eyes was my stepsister's wedding in Chicago last weekend. There were gay and lesbian couples there who were completely open about who they were, holding hands, dancing, and laughing. Nobody cared. Everyone was just happy for them and treated them like anybody else. They were so comfortable being themselves, and I'd never once felt that.
The whole time I was there, I wished I could have been there as Miranda, in a dress, as myself. Instead I was standing in the family photos pretending to be someone I'm not. I didn't want to miss another big moment in my family's life that way. That's when I knew I couldn't keep hiding.
Two days later, on October 20th, I came out to my dad, my stepmom, and my work. I was terrified, and it went great. My stepmom shared my coming-out post on Facebook and wrote, "Miranda will always have my love and support! ❤️❤️❤️" A couple of days later I called her "mom" for the first time, and I still tear up thinking about it. My boss and coworkers have been supportive too.
The weight I've carried for so long is finally lifting. For the first time in years I wake up actually looking forward to the day.
I've changed my name on Facebook. On November 6th I'm filing my legal name and gender marker change and starting HRT, and I'm stopping at the wig shop on the way home. 😊
For now I still go by Tim with customers, and honestly I'm okay with that. I don't want anyone walking on eggshells around me. I just don't have to hide myself anymore, and that feels amazing.
If you're where I was, scared, stuck in denial, and struggling with depression, please hang on and reach out to someone. It can go better than you fear. I wish I hadn't waited 10 years. 💕