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| LINDA'S PAST LIFE: A BIOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT (page 3) |
| I broke the news to the two Detectives I worked closest along with Lt. Gore who was in charge of the Detective unit. Like others they thought I was joking at first, having known me as such a "macho" type person in the past and, of course, a prankster. Once they were certain I was serious they simply proceeded with business as usual after the stunned silence. I provided them with information on Gender Dysphoria and, thereafter they treated me as they always had with exception of an occasional question or inquiry about what I was going through. I suspect my co-workers were thinking back to a Halloween party I had attended the year before. It was a party with people in attendance from various areas of the Criminal Justice field. I arrived (supposedly) in costume crossdressed while Jeri accompanied me crossdressed as a man |
| As we entered the party my secretary from the Detective Unit ran over to tell me I couldn't come in unless I was wearing a costume. As she was telling me she suddenly stopped, realized who I was, her mouth dropped open and she stated "oh my God!" She had speculated earlier that if I did attend I would come in some super macho costume such as a biker. She never expected anything like this. The party went great and I even won second prize for the best costume. Not everyone at the party recognized me as I was asked to dance by a local attorney and former Municipal Judge who did not discover my true identity until the next day. |
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| Jeri and Rick Simpson Crossdressed for Halloween Party |
| During the party one of my fellow detectives kept saying I "bothered him" the way I was dressed. I had been fearful that I would give myself away and everyone would know my secret if I went crossdressed. I felt that everyone would wonder how I got clothes, especially high heels, to fit someone as large as me. I watched that I didn't do my make-up too well for the same reason. In my heart I knew someday it would be necessary to "come out." It might as well be tonight I thought, under the cover of Halloween. The party had been a positive experience that made me feel that transition could become a reality someday. I never wanted to go back from that night. |
| Dancing at the Halloween Party with a local Judge: "watch those hands!" |
| The few that did have a problem, and they were very few, simply avoided me. When contact was necessary they carried on business as usual in a professional manner. In coming out I had addressed each watch and division and made the announcement. I also passed out a "coming out memo" along with educational information on Gender Dysphoria. I answered any questions that anyone had and was generally well received. I found that I had to inform many of the agencies that I worked closely with also. I repeated the process with the County Attorneys Office, Highway Patrol, Sheriffs Office, and Social Services and others. Again, I encountered no problems. Just as a note, since this is such a major issue in many transitions, the bathroom issue never came up. I stated I would not use the men's or women's locker rooms and simply used the unisex bathrooms on the main floor. was surprised I wasn't reassigned but was left in my position in Detectives and as Detective in charge of Sex Crimes Investigations. Liability issues were later brought up concerning my injuries and should I encounter another violent encounter. These same issues were brought up when I was initially called back to work. At the time I was informed to return to work and the matter will be researched. What resulted was I could take a medical retirement at 62.5% of my salary or stay on the job a little over three more years and take a regular retirement at 50%. Simple math resulted in my decision.\ After being a Police Officer for over 20 years I wondered how I would react to not being a cop anymore. It had been all I'd known for the majority of my life. July 31, 1996 was my final day at the Rock Springs Police Department. I left with nothing but the highest regards for my former co-workers, the police administration, the city government, and the community. My transition experience on the Rock Springs Police Department left me with a very positive view of Wyoming . |
| Jeri takes some "unfeminine" photo's of Det. Linda A. Simpson as she readies her shotgun and unmarked patrol car prior to going to work |
| I felt that the people of Rock Springs and Wyoming may not understand nor agree with my decision to undergo a gender transition but they supported my right to live my life as I saw necessary. This, I felt, made Rock Springs and Wyoming a special place to live. As positive of a response I had in the Rock Springs area and Wyoming in general there were a few minor negative encounters. First, the Wyoming Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission refused to change my records or issue my license in my new name. Also, after retirement, I went under my spouse Jeri's health insurance. Jeri was now working security for Western Wyoming College and was a state employee. The Wyoming State Insurance Director began to challenge our marriage and issued a notice that once I had Gender Reassignment Surgery I could no longer be covered under Jeri's health insurance as her spouse. |
| Their reasoning was the marriage would then be a same sex marriage. With the assistance of an attorney my health insurance coverage was continued under her insurance policy. The basic fact is the marriage was legal at the time it was united and consummated. It could not be undone by a surgical procedure and, as we've stated many times, we had no intention of divorce. I remained home and took care of the kids and home for the next year and enjoyed being able to get closer to my family. My mother continued to refuse to discuss the topic and it necessitated I write her a letter (letter to mom) in June 1996. Much of my family shunned me for that which I had to pursue in life. Jeri's family was the complete opposite and were absolutely wonderful. Jeri was too afraid to tell her father. I opted to break the news to him. Being a 50's dad and World War II Vet we braced for the worst. What a found was a very caring and understanding human being. I was asked two questions. Did Jeri and I plan to stay together? The answer of course was a resounding yes! The second question was if Jeri was in agreement with everything which of course she was. From that day forward my father-in-law always called me "Linda" and his main concern was that family and friends accept me for who I am. During the proceeding years my mother-in-law and I became extremely close too. She accepted my gender transition and we became good friends. She became the mother I did not have and said she actually liked me better as Linda than as Rick. We continue a very close relationship to this day as a result. Jeri's sister and her husband were very accepting too and have been very special people in my life. Just writing about my experiences with Jeri's family brings tears of happiness to my eyes. I found my soul mate and spouse comes from a wonderful and special family. I can't find the words to express my love and appreciation for those who were so supportive at the most difficult crossroad in my life. I continued to have nothing but positive transition experiences. From the first time I told my spouse to retirement form the Police Department. Jeri had initially broke the news to our oldest daughter. One day she approached me with a stick doll and gave it to me as a gift. I asked her what it was and she replied that it was a "transsexual stick doll" for me. It has become one of my most treasured possessions. Our two smallest children have only known me as Linda. We had concerns as to how other children and their parents would react but to date there have been no problems encountered. These are uncharted areas however and we are vigilant to watch for potential problems as well as share information with others who have undergone this experience. |
| Linda leaving for work: I had a speaking engagement on crime prevention for a senior citizen group this day so I wore a dress |
| "It is much easier to be critical than to be correct." - Benjamin Disraeli |
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| We strive to raise well-rounded children in our non-traditional diverse family. Our goal is for our children to recognize the beauty in the diversity of people and accept and understand the differences between us all. In January 1997 I underwent Gender Reassignment Surgery in Montreal by Dr. Menard. Had I known what a positive experience my stay in Montreal would be I would have arranged for Jeri to accompany me. I was able to have surgery several months early due to a cancellation. Before leaving for Montreal I received a special surprise from the City of Rock Springs Police Department. Yes I was touched when they gave the item to me. It further proved this was an exceptional agency I had worked for with officers of the highest standards and caliber. |
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| Linda glows with happiness as a post-op |
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| A special "Transsexual Stick Doll" my daughter Jessica made for me |