The name on my driver's license is now Dana Teresa Vandehey my official gender is now Female. My SRS is scheduled for December Second 2011, I will be on the table on my birthday. 
This photo was taken on Superbowl Sunday this year. I came out to my family and friends two years ago, and went full time as a female. After the initial fear on my part, and some minor trepidation on some of theirs, my life has been one wondrous adventure since.
My sister and I are leaving for Thailand on November 28th for my SRS. We will be there until December 26th. I think she is as excited as I am about the surgery. I hope any of you one this site that are contemplating this giant step, take heart. It is not always the terrible experience of loss and privation that many say it is. My family numbers in the hundreds, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, all but a very, very few love me to death.
They tell me that they are proud of me, I say I am proud they are my family, and they should be very proud of themselves for being the loving, kind, accepting people that they are. Perhaps I am the luckiest person on earth, (I haven't won the lottery, so that's out) or perhaps it is my positive attitude.
Perhaps a combination, but either way, if I can do it so can you. If this is what you are sure you want, put on your big girl panties,and do it. Live your life as if it will end tomorrow, because some tomorrow it will. 
There is no second trip on this railroad, no do overs. I decided to lay down my fears of rejection, and decided that my happiness depended on me. The acceptance of others is not required, to have it from so many is just icing on the cake.

terri200026@yahoo.com

Return to contestant/voting page