To the Editor:
Christmas was the time I finally informed my family of my “transition.” The family was quite disturbed by the news at the Christmas gathering. But I had to be true to myself.
I told them that I voted for President Trump. The blow back was intense.
The family of (18D and OR) voters were furious. All my life I was a D., through Obama, Clinton, Biden, but then in 2024, I voted Trump. I saw my grandchildren being told that men could be in women’s bathrooms, locker rooms with my granddaughters.
The border was being overrun by foreign visitors taking American jobs while my nephews could not find work. My daughters had to pay $300 a week for childcare but it was being given to foreign visitors for free.
When I tried to speak to this, I was called names, attacked verbally (even though we are a mixed race family). Then, because of my beliefs, I was called “garbage” by Joe Biden. I understood the hatred for “transitioning” and the dangers to my family for thinking differently. Yesterday, I “transitioned” to Republican voter registration.
It was difficult, but this was my truth now; and I accepted it as my reality.
Since Christmas, 6 of my 18 relatives have “also transitioned” to R Party. My speaking up had them thinking about what I said and did.
They now have joined me on my long journey from a Recovering Democrat to a Sober Republican, and those who joined me report being happier and more grounded for accepting my “transition.”
The later events in Minnesota have the other 12 still not fully accepting of my transition, but admitting they are open to my decision to “come out.”
They are now listening to me and how much I suffered and now are open to new ideas. Maybe by next Christmas all will “transition” with me. I can only hope.
Thank you for listening to my coming out “transition” testament.
Pastor Jack Wood
Ocala