1977: Transpeople

22 August 1977

Dearist Heath,

I’m a member of the MCC of the Resurrection in Houston and very happy to be a Christian sibling of Jeri and of Candie’s. Jeri asked me if I would write to you if I might be able to give you some aid or assistance through your change.

You notice that I’ve addressed you as Heath. I’m aware that you were Christened as Heather, which is a beautiful name for a woman. But according to Jeri Harvey, you are not a woman and wish to change your genital appearance also. So we must call you something and until you come up with a name you prefer, I’ll call you Heath.

My name is Phyllis Randolph Frye. My name used to be Phillip Randolph Frye. Prior to going to court for my name change I thought much about my name. The only thing wrong with Phillip was that it was a man’s name and I am certainly not a man. So Phyllis was a logical choice. As to the middle name, I wanted to keep my initials the same and decided to keep the middle name since it is my child’s name – who better to name yourself in honor of that your own offspring.

You and I as transpeople have many things in common. Since we are going in opposite directions, I’m having some difficulty. Those things that I loathe, you will cherish. Those mannerisms I embrace, you have discarded. So be patient if I write some ideas that do not jive or may make you mad. The theme of this letter is what is important. The theme is that we are both children of God. We accept Jesus as our Savior, sibling and friend. Through the guidance of the Spirit I reach out to help you from stumbling in those places that I stumbled.

A quick review of my live may be interesting. The review verifies that I am truly a woman and not just a failure as a man. In fact I was so good and successful at being a man that I should receive and Oscar for best actress. I was successful in Cub Scouts; very good baseball player; high school ROTC Commander and Rifle tram; Texas A&M Corps of Cadets; four scholarships; 2 degrees in engineering, Army…