Views from a BrewTown Sista (aka The Chronicles of Kayleah H. Madison)

So, on 10/7, I officially became Kayleah Hutchins Madison . WHOOPEE!!! Then, the celebration eventually wears off, and I  get back to driving that crappy taxicab until I  get a  new gig....and eventually, a new apartment. I just got my driver's  license  to fully show my new name ....and gender. I can't  say that many natural-born women speak with a low tone of voice or wear makeup on a daily basis. No, I'm not going to  start wearing pumos...my feet need to be comfortable when I roll! Nevertheless, I am now a legal woman....of trans decent, of course! The name and gender change is one of the pinnacles that I wanted to  accomplish  in 2015. Of course starting with my new set of teeth for my smile, then finding this cab gig after  being out of work for years, a return trip to the Chicago Pride Parade, and most recently, I am in the process of getting  something you  badly need in a town like this: a set of wheels. So it's...

This coming Wednesday, October  7, 2015, one saga of my life will come to an end. On the other hand, something will finally become a reality. Being my seldom masculine self has been moderate at best. However, I knew I was different since childhood, and at times I couldn't help myseĺf being someone else. I have  mentioned this many times before in previous blogs. It's always nerve-wracking at first. Later on, it becomes a part of you. Then, you see yourself AS that person, and you don't want the old life you once had. This transition always came with a price; family, job, house, or even your  life. I took my chances abruptly relocating to the Rockford area from my beloved native Milwaukee in 1999; my family  basically  gave a damn and all but severed ties with me. Didn't even come home for my dad's  funeral in 2007. My choice. 17 years after first arriving here, I'm finally comfortable  with my feminine  identity. Next week, my name will offi...