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submitted 1 month ago by remington@beehaw.org to c/chat@beehaw.org
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[-] fenceowl@beehaw.org 5 points 3 weeks ago

Well thank you very much! That means a lot to me and it's really nice to just have people listen! I've been thinking about it, honestly he hasn't been a 'friend' in a while. I think I'm just tired of not actually being happy being myself, so in a way, if I could tell this guy about it I can tell anyone. It was more subconscious, I think... And my parents, I think they'd actually be understanding! They're good and accepting people. It's more that I don't really exactly know how to, and I think to them it would be a big surprise, even if I've felt this way for a long time (only recently really come to understand it as the truth). I am old-ish, and in a way I'm a little concerned that since I never explicitly showed any outwards interest/need in transitioning prior that they might think that I'm doing something strange? Not really sure how to word it, sorry.

[-] A_be_seedy@beehaw.org 6 points 3 weeks ago

I get, to the degree that I can get, what you're saying.

I had a friend that I knew all through college, she started her transition probably 6 months before posting on facebook with about a paragraph explaining the pertinent stuff, but what has always stuck out to me was that she wrote something to the extent of "I am, and always have been a woman" or something to that degree. She then proceeded to post pictures of herself and she looked the happiest she ever has looked before. The whole time I'd known her, I never would have guessed.

If you think your parents will be supportive in general, then they will want you to be haply.

"I have known this for a while now. I am, and always have been a woman. I am happy, I am safe, I am content. Please support me by calling me ____"

[-] fenceowl@beehaw.org 5 points 3 weeks ago

I told my parents today. I don't know if it was a good idea. Not entirely. I think they're both accepting. My dad was basically just like 'lol OK how are your projects going'. My mom was... well not unaccepting. But just... she was surprised. I've always been cagey about my personal life with my parents. I told my brother and other friends this weekend. My dad today. Then I told my mom, I felt bad she was the last person to know. She was the weirdest about it, but she had no idea. I basically blindsided her. I don't like this.

[-] A_be_seedy@beehaw.org 5 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

Dude. I'm so proud of you.

I told my dad, "love you" as I was hanging up tbs phone today. It felt weird.

Did you feel supported by your dad? It sounds like your old man was telling you it's no trouble to him, maybe neglecting to consider how big a deal it is for you to come out and say it. It sounds like absolute love.

Momma's gonna come around too. She's probably most worried about the hate in the world - mama bears are wild.

I'm seriously so proud of you though.

[-] fenceowl@beehaw.org 4 points 3 weeks ago

You are far too kind A_be_seedy. My dad was the most supportive person in the world. One moment, it was 'Oh that's cool, I always tell my friends I have two sons, but I'll tell them otherwise now nbd'. It's... weird. I've always felt closer to my mom. But in that moment, my dad and I were on the same wavelength. One moment, talking about my trans identity, the next talking about the Heathkit computer like it was nothing. It really sounds like you get it. Genuinely. I appreciate it and ypur praise means the world.

My mom is, despite how I've always viewed her, a 'mama bear' for sure. I'm 36, I'll admit that. Seems odd at this age. But I guess it never stops being a thing. She said she'd call tomorrow. I offered to answer any questions she had, and I happily will. Still feels weird, almost wrong, but your praise, the support of my friends, my brother, and my father... it's almost overwhelming. Hopefully tomorrow I can smooth things out with her. She deserves it, and I hope I can calm her fears.

[-] fenceowl@beehaw.org 3 points 3 weeks ago

Here is the computer, by the way. Hope everything uploads OK. All digits working. CPU and display board stock and working. Going to trace the two mystery red/black wires with my VOM tomorrow. Assuming they're a redundant back up to the power supply which will truly be made redundant with the CPU upgrade I have planned.

[-] fenceowl@beehaw.org 4 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

Few notes: please ignore the ALARMING temperature readout. It can do C and F. But there is no probe attached. All it can accurately do right now is barometric pressure, time, and date. Opening the back of the display panel was fascinating. It was apparently serviced on 13th of May, 1993 by Heathkit. Silkscreen on PCB says 1978 which seems accurate for the kit. They stopped selling kits in 1992, but apparently carried on servicing kits for a while longer. Just a fun observation in the midst of my personal chaos.

[-] fenceowl@beehaw.org 3 points 3 weeks ago

Gotta get some work done until 2AM ET. Sorry for the flurry of updates. Gonna listen to Rush, Wobbler, Happy the Man, and some other Prog while I work. Thanks again for the support!

this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2026
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