WASP News

Sometime ago, a very good friend of mine called me up with some exciting news. After a romantic break with his new partner, he felt the time was right for an important question. He proposed, she accepted and the Wedding planning commenced almost immediately…

He relayed his news, and the story of the proposal whilst I listened intently. I was feeling immensely pleased for him as his excitement was palpable, even across a mobile connection that was glitchy at best. What came next were a number of surprises. Two for me and one for him to be precise….

After listening to a short heartfelt speech,  that gave me a lump in my throat, I was stunned to be to be invited to assume the role of Best Man at his forthcoming Wedding. Stunned, and immediately concerned. Despite our close relationship, this good friend had no idea I was just starting the treatment, that would kick start my transition. There were a handful of people in the know. The plan for communicating the news was still in its infancy and I really had no experience to draw on. This was not a common occurrence…

There was a pause in the conversation whilst I processed the options. I then proceeded to thank my Friend for bestowing this honour upon me. I went on to explain that due to a forthcoming Gender Transition I would be entirely unsuitable for the role. He roared with laughter. There followed a string of unprintable words and through his chuckles, a suggestion that I should take this seriously. I fought back my tears, and struggled to hide the emotion in my voice as I explained, I was deadly serious. Never more so in fact. It was his turn to be surprised.

I don’t really remember how the first  call wound up, but, some minutes later, my riding buddy called me back. Surprise number three was about to be delivered. He didn’t care what I looked like, what I was called, or what I was wearing. What this friend wanted was me, at his side, when he Married his partner. Best Man, Best Woman, he really didn’t care. The role was mine and he really wanted me to own it.

I’m sharing this news now, because for a little while I entertained the notion that the Wedding would happen before my transition was complete. Based on my last conversation with the Groom, this is looking unlikely. The planning is ramping up, and so is my transition. I’m not sure if this has ever happened before. I was tempted to Google “My Best Man became a Woman !”  but decided I wasn’t in the mood for Jerry Springer clips. This is an important role for a close friend and I want to do it justice.

Radio Broadcasts and Interviews at work in front of hundreds of people don’t worry me. Standing by my friend on his Wedding Day, that will be a real test of the  strength that people assure me I have….Fortunately he is a towering giant of a man, so at least I get to wear heels.