My Left Hand

I was identified at birth (so far as I know) as right-handed, but I have often felt this was a mistake, and that I am in truth left-handed, and perhaps ambidextrous. This was very difficult for me to deal with at a young age. I was rapped on the knuckles and made fun of in first and second grade. I went from public to private school at third grade (USA) and I use that to explain why I never learned cursive writing. But perhaps there is a deeper explanation? That my brain is truly left-handed, and so I have always been awkward in a right-handed body?

Late in life, I decided to assert my left-hand inclinations. When I do so, I find a wonderful feeling of relief and joy. I can do most things very well in that mode, and I think with a little practice, to make up for lost opportunity, I could pass perfectly well as a left-handed person. I am seriously considering making such a transition.

This is a true story. In addition to my transsexuality, I have had to deal with a form of dyslexia that played havoc with my math and music skills, and this thing with my handedness. Perhaps in my case they are all interrelated, but I refuse to generalize.

(1999)