I was challenged to write something positive, so I thought it was past time to honor another one of the people who inspire me everyday.
I met Victoria that first night out as Sophie, when I went to a Renaissance meeting and to Angela's Laptop Lounge afterward. She was (and still is) elegant beyond compare: exotic and aloof. Also, I learned by asking someone that she was dating one of the Movers and Shakers in the Philadelphia transgender scene- the person who ran the Yahoo group that everyone used for events. As I don't have permission to name that person, I'll assign her the pseudonym: W. Victoria was "W's girl" which meant "stay away from her." I always thought that was a lonely circumstance.
The first few times I saw Victoria, I thought she wasn't trans. Then I wondered if she was one of the "pros" who would come out of the city to get some "business" from the admirers, but ended up dating W. I admit: I was intimidated by her beauty, poise, and class. I could never look that good.
Eventually, W introduced me to Victoria, and I did my best not to be dumbstruck. Not long after, the local trans community was abuzz- W and Victoria had broken up! I assume many people started hitting on her directly after, but I never saw her dating anyone.
Around that same time, my therapist invited me to join a support group, then named "Trans Sans Sition." Members of this group would become some of my dearest friends. Victoria was there (in addition to Amy, and Jen L) and always had wise input. She seemed so very approachable. Eventually, she suggested the group change its name to Transquility, and so it remains to this day (however it is now virtual.)
During this time I really learned what an amazing person Victoria is. Her strength and determination are awe inspiring. She transitioned on the job at a major company, and was instrumental in writing policies for them concerning transgender employees. Victoria also presents on that topic at various transgender conferences. Soon after I came out, I was honored to co-present on the topic, as my company was smaller.
Through it all, Victoria has been a model of grace, beauty, strength, generosity, and compassion. I was honored to be invited to her Confirmation Party in May 2014 (which I wrote about here.) She is a major music lover, including being a mega George Michael fan. She spoke at my "coming out party" in 2015, and I did my best not to cry (I failed.)
Debutante Party 2015
I could write so much more about this amazing woman, but I'm sure she'll blush enough at what little I have revealed. She is a fairly private person. All that said, the world is so much richer because she's in it, and she has been a guiding light and dear friend for years.
And her beauty still intimidates me,
Thank you for being you, Victoria! I love you!
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