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Cracking Open the Shell

Coming to AA meetings, he realized that he had more in common with everyone else that he had previously thought

I had signed myself into detox. I'd been drinking 15-20 jiggers of vodka a day, passing out numerous times, and waking only to drink more. When I did eat, I ate ramen noodles and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Upon entering detox I weighed 122 pounds and could barely stand. I saw the others just like me, but knew I was different. As soon as I told the hospital staff I was transgendered—female to male, I immediately got a private room.

See, I thought, I am different! I also shared with them that I had a mental illness. It was yet another reason to "be different." I... Login to read more
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