Came across a new and fantastic blog written by a lovely Swyer Sister. I am so excited to read her updates as she continues her story and thoughts:
http://swyersister.tumblr.com/
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Outed At Work! - Part 2
In follow up to my last post where a colleague coincidentally came across my photo on the Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome Wikipedia page, I just wanted to mention that this has been no big deal. I sent my colleague a short Facebook message (since we are Facebook friends, but don't really hang out at all except for an occasional group lunch in the corporate cafeteria) mentioning that I had heard he had found out, and was available to answer any questions he had. His response was along the lines of "Meh... No big deal," and it's been dropped since then.
I've found that this condition is usually "no big deal" to most people who find out. I think that some of us with AIS or other DSD/intersex conditions find it a much bigger deal than those people around us. Not to downplay it for those of you for whom it is a big deal. But as a friend of mine is fond of saying - it's simultaneously the biggest, most important, and the smallest, most trivial thing. How much it matters really depends on where you are in your life and in dealing with it. For me, it's made me who I am today in so many ways, but is one of the last things on my mind on a busy day balancing work, friends, family, and health in general.
I've found that this condition is usually "no big deal" to most people who find out. I think that some of us with AIS or other DSD/intersex conditions find it a much bigger deal than those people around us. Not to downplay it for those of you for whom it is a big deal. But as a friend of mine is fond of saying - it's simultaneously the biggest, most important, and the smallest, most trivial thing. How much it matters really depends on where you are in your life and in dealing with it. For me, it's made me who I am today in so many ways, but is one of the last things on my mind on a busy day balancing work, friends, family, and health in general.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Outed at Work!
I was out-ed at work today!
Sort of. :)
I met up with an old co-worker for lunch today. Had a frozen daiquiri to decompress after what's been a pretty crappy few weeks in the office. When I returned to my computer, ever so slightly, pleasantly buzzed, a co-worker (who knows about me having AIS) pinged me quickly over Communicator.
"I just sent you a Facebook message because I thought you'd gone home for the day."
I checked my messages. Apparently one of our co-workers was reading a post on a forum about a female athlete who might have AIS. There was a link to a page about AIS, where I happen to be pictured, and he came across it. What a crazy coincidence!
She wanted to let me know he had asked if it were me in the photo. She confirmed it was. They didn't talk more about it apparently. It doesn't bother me he came across it. Of course, if I had wanted to keep this a secret forever, I never would have agreed to inclusion in the photo. But it did come as a big surprise...
I wonder if he'll tell others we work with? Probably about 10 people already know. It should be interesting to see if the fact spreads...
Sort of. :)
I met up with an old co-worker for lunch today. Had a frozen daiquiri to decompress after what's been a pretty crappy few weeks in the office. When I returned to my computer, ever so slightly, pleasantly buzzed, a co-worker (who knows about me having AIS) pinged me quickly over Communicator.
"I just sent you a Facebook message because I thought you'd gone home for the day."
I checked my messages. Apparently one of our co-workers was reading a post on a forum about a female athlete who might have AIS. There was a link to a page about AIS, where I happen to be pictured, and he came across it. What a crazy coincidence!
She wanted to let me know he had asked if it were me in the photo. She confirmed it was. They didn't talk more about it apparently. It doesn't bother me he came across it. Of course, if I had wanted to keep this a secret forever, I never would have agreed to inclusion in the photo. But it did come as a big surprise...
I wonder if he'll tell others we work with? Probably about 10 people already know. It should be interesting to see if the fact spreads...
Thursday, January 26, 2012
2012 Annual Conference of the AIS-DSD Support Group
Although it doesn't seem like it's been six+ months since the last one, the next Annual Conference of the AIS-DSD Support Group for Women & Families will be here before we know it. In Oklahoma City, June 21-24, several dozen women, teens and children with AIS, Swyer Syndrome, CAH, and other conditions, along families in tow, will gather once again for what will surely be an amazing few days.
Conference page:
http://www.aisdsd.org/2012-annual-conference/
For those of you with one of these or a related condition who have not been to a conference, I strongly urge you to go. It will be a jam-packed few days of education and support. And it's generally a TON of fun to meet other people with similar life experiences and challenges and exchange "war stories" or just laugh over a few drinks or some dancing.
If the thought terrifies you, COME ANYWAY! None of us bite. You can stick with me and I'll show you the ropes.
Hope to see you there. Information on the above link will likely evolve in the coming months.
Conference page:
http://www.aisdsd.org/2012-annual-conference/
For those of you with one of these or a related condition who have not been to a conference, I strongly urge you to go. It will be a jam-packed few days of education and support. And it's generally a TON of fun to meet other people with similar life experiences and challenges and exchange "war stories" or just laugh over a few drinks or some dancing.
If the thought terrifies you, COME ANYWAY! None of us bite. You can stick with me and I'll show you the ropes.
Hope to see you there. Information on the above link will likely evolve in the coming months.
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