In the fall of 1997 we decided to relocate to Washington State with both of us being hired by
Corporate Security at Microsoft in Redmond. Prior to leaving I agreed to do a short Newspaper
Article for the Rock Springs Rocket Miner.
Since relocating we have fallen in love with the Seattle area. Not only is there a wide variety of
cultural and entertaining things to do but Human Diversity issues are promoted and protected here.
We continue to grow as individuals, explore alternative family parenting and issues, and enjoy one
another.
Corporate Security at Microsoft in Redmond. Prior to leaving I agreed to do a short Newspaper
Article for the Rock Springs Rocket Miner.
Since relocating we have fallen in love with the Seattle area. Not only is there a wide variety of
cultural and entertaining things to do but Human Diversity issues are promoted and protected here.
We continue to grow as individuals, explore alternative family parenting and issues, and enjoy one
another.
| Last photo of Linda Simpson in Rock Springs, Wyoming |
Having been in Law Enforcement for a number of years I became active with The Seattle Police
Department Chief's Advisory Commission for Sexual Minorities (currently called the SCSM). I was
impressed at the very existence of such a council and further impressed at Chief Stampers
approach.
Department Chief's Advisory Commission for Sexual Minorities (currently called the SCSM). I was
impressed at the very existence of such a council and further impressed at Chief Stampers
approach.
I experienced quite a shock at some of the attitudes I encountered from friends and relatives in my
hometown of (Click here to go to my pages with information on my hometown experience: Mount
Pleasant in Southwestern Pennsylvania). I have nothing but fond memories growing up there and
look back with a nostalgic smile on my face as I recall people and places. Unfortunately I now find
many attitudes in my former hometown a little more conservative than what I've been accustomed
to in so many other places. A number of people ceased contact when they learned of my gender
change. Requests for help or assistance in locating people and information goes ignored, I assume
because of my situation. The most heart wrenching part is my mother still insists I never return
home. It brings such sadness when I have nothing but warm feelings and memories for both my
mother and that area of paradise where I lived my childhood.
In May 1999 my mother moved away from Pennsylvania to live with her brother in Arizona. Being an
only child I have no bothers or sisters nor other close relatives in Southwestern Pennsylvania. I do
have a half brother but don't know where he lives, have never met him and doubt that he even
knows I exist. A family secret that I had discovered some years ago.
As a result I now have little opportunity to return for a visit to the area I had loved so much. I have
considered of maybe attending a class reunion if I know when the next one is. Past reunions I either
did not learn of at all, or were informed of the dates too late. I am hesitant to attend such an event
though. In light of recent events I don't know how I'd be received.
hometown of (Click here to go to my pages with information on my hometown experience: Mount
Pleasant in Southwestern Pennsylvania). I have nothing but fond memories growing up there and
look back with a nostalgic smile on my face as I recall people and places. Unfortunately I now find
many attitudes in my former hometown a little more conservative than what I've been accustomed
to in so many other places. A number of people ceased contact when they learned of my gender
change. Requests for help or assistance in locating people and information goes ignored, I assume
because of my situation. The most heart wrenching part is my mother still insists I never return
home. It brings such sadness when I have nothing but warm feelings and memories for both my
mother and that area of paradise where I lived my childhood.
In May 1999 my mother moved away from Pennsylvania to live with her brother in Arizona. Being an
only child I have no bothers or sisters nor other close relatives in Southwestern Pennsylvania. I do
have a half brother but don't know where he lives, have never met him and doubt that he even
knows I exist. A family secret that I had discovered some years ago.
As a result I now have little opportunity to return for a visit to the area I had loved so much. I have
considered of maybe attending a class reunion if I know when the next one is. Past reunions I either
did not learn of at all, or were informed of the dates too late. I am hesitant to attend such an event
though. In light of recent events I don't know how I'd be received.
| Jeri and Linda celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary aboard the Washington Dinner train in July 1998. |
A number of people have asked why did we move from Wyoming when we had such a positive
experience there? The answer is threefold:
First, the photograph below sums it up. You can tell it's summer because Jeri is wearing shorts but
nothing else gives the impression that it's almost July. At almost 8,000 feet in altitude the weather
tends to be on the extreme side, even in the summers.
experience there? The answer is threefold:
First, the photograph below sums it up. You can tell it's summer because Jeri is wearing shorts but
nothing else gives the impression that it's almost July. At almost 8,000 feet in altitude the weather
tends to be on the extreme side, even in the summers.
| In June 1995 Jeri works in her "summer shorts" in the front yard of our Wyoming home |
Second, although I do not place a lot of emphasis on "passing" and I certainly am not in the
closet, there is quite a bit of stress when one can never pass and is always known. From living in
the community for 17 years and working in a high profile profession there were few places I could
go without my past identity being known. While that usually doesn't bother me there are times
when one does want some anonymity.
Third, just to pursue that sense of adventure or wanderlust. We had been in one place long
enough and were ripe to experience what the unknown had to offer.
closet, there is quite a bit of stress when one can never pass and is always known. From living in
the community for 17 years and working in a high profile profession there were few places I could
go without my past identity being known. While that usually doesn't bother me there are times
when one does want some anonymity.
Third, just to pursue that sense of adventure or wanderlust. We had been in one place long
enough and were ripe to experience what the unknown had to offer.
| Jessica in the Pilot's seat of a DC-9 Jetliner. A friend stopped overnight in Rock Springs while taking the plane for maintenance in California in November of 1996. |
| Alex on a horse at Neary's Ranch (Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Jane) in Kemmerer, Wyoming during the summer of 1997 |
| Linda with a very suspicious Llama at Neary's ranch in July, 1997 |
| Alex and Allison are very close to one another. |
| Short Biography of Linda A. Simpson: page 4 |
| After thoughts |
| Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania: hometown revisited: |
| Wyoming revisited |
| Parting thoughts and photos |
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