The Week After Brooke Came Out

The week that followed Brooklyn coming out, had a lot of amazing firsts. Thankfully we had both taken a week of work, because there was a lot to do.

The make-up I had been buying for Brooke was good for at home use, but she needed more help than I could give. A wonderful woman at Shopper’s Drug Mart did a makeup session with Brooke that was so helpful! She had worked with Trans Women in the past and was very knowledgeably. She had even come in on her day off so that she could give Brooke her full attentions. We then went to get her hair done, which turned out great. Monday was a success!

The next day, Tuesday she and I got manicures and then she got her ears pierced. We had once gotten pedicures done a few years before I knew about her gender dysphoria. I remember it feeling awkward that she wanted nail polish, but I had just dismissed it. Here we were totally comfortable chatting, enjoying each other’s company getting our nails done.  It felt amazing. We then headed to Service NB. Typically not an exciting outing but today she was getting her new driver’s license and Medicare card with Brooklyn on it.

Wednesday, we drove to Moncton for a girl’s shopping trip. I would like to say the Ricki’s/ Cleo’s in Moncton is amazing. We have gone back a couple times, and they remember our names. It was very inclusive, and they were helpful and respectful. We went to lots of different places but had the most success here. I wish I would have counted how many outfits she tried on. It was a lot! She walked away with many beautiful outfits and I got a few things too.

Thursday, we went Golfing with good friends of ours. This was something Brooke had always envisioned, being able to golf as her authentic self. For me it was the joy of hanging out with our friends and being ourselves out it public that made it so special. No more living two different lives. For those wondering she still golfs from the blue tee. Its more about ability than gender.

Friday night we went out to dinner for the first time as a lesbian couple in our hometown. It felt freeing but also a little scary. By things point in the journey I knew we lived in a good community where most people accepted other people for who they are, but it only takes one bad person to ruin a night. As time has gone on this worries me less.

We were going to have a little get together that Saturday, but the Weather Network was calling for a big storm, so we decided to postpone until the next week. The following Saturday we had a “coming out” party. I wasn’t sure who would come. I could depend on our close friends Sandra and Luke as well as my sisters but other than that I really didn’t know. I didn’t let Brooke know who I was inviting because I was worried if certain people didn’t make it she might think they were not comfortable around her. My concerns were pointless, so many people showed up; co-worker, friends and family all showed up to celebrate with us. I wish I would have taken more photos. I don’t know the numbers but I don’t think my kitchen and living room have ever felt so full both of people and love…wow that was corny.

The next day two of my sisters, our mother and I went apple picking. I think they knew that even though I loved supporting and being there for Brooke I also needed a bit of me time. It was a great cap to a couple of exciting emotionally filled days.