Ok this is a one off post from a one off profile, that I don't plan on using after this, so that I can ask some questions while preserving a bit of anonymity.
I've been around the site and the forum since what must be the early or mid 2000s, I'm not someone who posts heavily, just when I think I've got something to contribute or might be of help.
Next year I'm planning on doing an Ironman distance triathlon. I'm planning on racing under the Pirates banner. I know what an amazing bunch the Pirates are and have met a few at some events a couple of years back.
The issue I have and the reason for the post is that I'm transsexual, specifically male to female, and started living and working as a female at the start of this year. Due to the fact that by the time I take part in a race next year I will only be 15 months on hormones, wont have had any surgery and so will still have some, if not quite a lot, of the advantages of a male physiology I've decided that I'm going to have to enter under my birth gender (male).
Kittenkat is currently mentoring me and she's aware of the situation and knows that I'm posting this.
The things I'd like to ask are:
Would anyone have a problem with me racing under the Pirates banner?
Also as on a daily basis I'm female to everyone that I meet, or at least as best as I can be, would it be a problem for anyone that other than on race day I'd be my normal self for the rest of race weekend?
I know that doing an Ironman distance race is tough, I've read various race reports, and I don't want to my racing to be a distraction to anyone, what I'd like to do is get an idea of people's feelings on this.
Forgive me if I don't respond promptly to any responses as I'm having to borrow my son's old laptop while mine is being repaired.
Comments
Life to short to get to caught up on what others think ... be true to yourself and enjoy your journey to IM in the yellow and black
What they said - welcome to the mad house
+ 1 what Will said, I'll look forward to seeing you in pirate black and yella and good luck to you in the future.
Welcome aboard!!
You see a pirate, you notice the yeller & black and how much they appear to be hurting, not what's in their trousers.
Go for it, I'll ride with you anytime and sure the rest would too.
No probs and enjoy the IM
Bloke or lady we are all in this together, all t*ssor's and what ever gender you are is irrelevant. All that matter's is we are there for each other sharing the same blood, sweat and gears. Anyone who thinks any different should bugger of to tri talk or something.
Every time Cake posts, I want a bacon sandwich.
You want one too?
Welcome aboard!
Go for it, Pirates are all inclusive
if you have met a number of pirates you would realises what a mixed bag we are..........welcome aboard
I'm not a pirate, not even an triathlete (yet!) but very brave to post that and wow what a response! I heard the pirates were a very inclusive and this certainly appears true.
Good on you - get out there and get it done - in whatever way you're comfortable. It's your journey.
Go for it. IM is hard enough without extra worries, crack on.
Great, welcome aboard.... enjoy the ride to IM
Well done OneOff! And good luck to you at Outlaw!
With you all the way (not literally of course as that might slow you down a tad......)
welcome to the md house and look forward to meeting you at outlaw!
As long as you can keep up with the pirates drinking!
Welcome aboard
The pirates are all inclusive, we have a special needs son and he has been so welcomed by all the pirates
Welcome aboard
As with everyone else... I don't mind one iota what's in your shorts. Unless it's this and you're in front of me:
Welcome aboard!
What's it got to do with anybody else anyway?
Enjoy your race
Hi OneOff. 100% support from me. Looking forward to meeting you at Outlaw, it'll be my first IM too and my baptism in Pirate colours.
PS Dustboy - I'll have my bacon crispy, thanks
Welcome