MUMMY NEVER SAID THERE WILL BE DAYS LIKE THIS

My mum, I must admit prepared me for every worse case scenario this world would throw at my feet. After all she took me to boarding school at age seven and from that early age I did learn how to fend for myself, to fight for the little resources available and to make myself heard. I mean I knew from a very early age that I couldn't physically fight, most of the girls I got into fights with always left me crying like a baby and wishing I was at home under the comforts of my daddy’s obsessive care. So I learnt how to fight with my words and my brains. Used to work perfectly fine…still does.

I believe my up bringing has made me the open minded person that I am today. Like I don’t think I shock easily at people’s revelations. I don’t sneer at what the society considers ‘immoral’. In fact I totally believe in freedom of expression. So long as what you are doing doesn’t hurt me or someone else then well you are free to indulge in it. What I tell people all the time is whatever choices we make come will a whole basket of responsibilities.

Something interesting did happen today. I am actually left wondering where I range in the ‘open minded people index’.

I got a visit from some lady today afternoon. Very pretty girl by the way. She wanted someone to talk to about HIV and stuff like that. We close the door to my office and chit chat about HIV and the need to go for the test and create awareness on the issue.

“You must take the test very often.” She says

“Why would you think that?’ I ask

“Because you work here and have access to the testing site all the time.” She replies laughing.

“Well, I don’t go for the test often, I went for it once and didn't need to do it again.” I reply.

Then we talk about me and HIV for a while. Grace (that’s what we will call her) tells me she would like to volunteer with us.

I tell her about our volunteer policy and that we don’t take people in the last quarter of the year because normally we are too busy to train people.

“How about you bring us your papers and we cal you first thing next year.” I suggest.

I notice she is getting uncomfortable and ask why. I wish I didn't ask because I don’t think anything prepared me for Grace’s revelation

Grace is a guy. As in completely dude dick, hairy chest and all. He just likes to dress up like a woman and be one. The closest I have been to some woman trapped in a guy’s body in on Tyra banks show. I didn't know what to say and for a moment I just kept staring at him/her.

He is a final year student and would really like for an opportunity to do his internship with us. He has been to other organizations but no one wants him there. He chose to come to us because he knows we fight stigma and discrimination.

“Please bring your papers tomorrow and lets see how we can help.” I say when I find my voice.

I honestly don’t know how best I will be of help to this guy; I don’t even know if I could. One things for sure. No one told me there would be a day like this!