My face feels so naked! I don’t like it. I shaved my beard and mustache off for the first time in ten years, and I look weird. I realize they had to go since I didn’t want to be the bearded lady, but I’ve sported them for so long. “Steve” will certainly take a while to get used to the look and the feel.

Stefani, of course, is ecstatic. I can’t wait for my next opportunity to get dressed, and maybe start trying on makeup again. I’ll need to figure out how to do fix myself up again, and I’ll need a good concealer and what color do I need? Oh I have a lot of work to do! I need a TG-friendly cosmetic consultant. I NEED HELP!

Baby steps…. That is my mantra of the moment. Baby steps…. I’m making strides in accepting myself. I feel no real shame that I am what I am…, or who I am. I may be “Steve,” but I’m Stefani, too. I’m learning to love that aspect of myself. Every day is a new discovery of what that means.