[Manue]

Hello Everyone,

I hope you're all doing well. It's been a while since I've shared updates on this board, and much has happened in my life—career advancements, ongoing research, and personal developments. One notable career milestone is my foray into the realm of academia. I've recently begun teaching, a role that allows me to impart my knowledge and insights to the next generation, which has been incredibly fulfilling.

But there is a particular moment of revelation I wish to share, which has greatly amplified my self-confidence. I disclosed my birth sex to a friend named Helene, a former coworker who had only known me in my current identity. Her response was enlightening: "No, when I talk to you, I talk to a woman, not a man!" Furthermore, she confirmed that none of our mutual colleagues ever suspected that I was a man. In fact, my appearance had been discussed once in my absence, but the conversation never concluded that I'm a man—people tended to assume I was simply of non-Caucasian descent. This realization has fueled my self-confidence to unprecedented heights.

I share this story to inspire those of you who may be on a similar path. While external validation should not be the sole pillar of one's confidence, it can sometimes serve as a transformative catalyst. This revelation continues to empower me as I navigate the complex terrains of my personal and professional life.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone and hearing your updates.

Warm regards,