Unfiltered Story #343131

(On an early very sunny friday morning in the summer, I arrived at work with one of colleagues, who opened up with me, it was just us two on our own, and my colleague had brought their dog with them. While I was playing with said dog, this conversation followed:)

Me: who’s such a good boy! Who’s a mama’s boy? Yes! Do you love your mama very much?!

Colleague: oh.. [my name]… I need to talk to you about that actually, but.. I uh.. I don’t know how you’re going to react with you being a Christian and all…

Me: what do you mean? About me calling you his mama?

Colleague: yes.. since no one else is here yet. And it’s just us two, I might as well just tell you..

(Colleague braces themselves for a few minutes, then, looked me dead in the eye and said)

Colleague: I am trans. I am no longer a she. I prefer to go by he/him pronouns, and I would like to be called [new name]

(When I heard that, I couldn’t help but smile and choked up a bit)

Me: that’s absolutely amazing news! I’m so proud of you!

(We proceeded to hug it out, much to his surprise, I was always supportive of his sexuality before he came out to me with this news, but I don’t think he expected me to react so well to him being trans)

Me: yes, I am a Christian, but I also know we have a friendship, and despite what others may think of my reaction, I want you know, that I would never allow my faith to be something that would hinder my friendship and relationship with you. I may have views on things, but I’m putting those views aside because you are my friend, and that’s all that matters. And I will support you every step of the way. by the way – I have a question?

Colleague: (close to tears, smiling) what is it?

Me: can I call you [nickname] for short?

(That conversation ended in laughter and more hugs. Later on, he came out to everyone else, to lots of support, and yes – we celebrated with cake and donuts. LQBTQIA+ forever!