Hi, I’m Jonah
I’ve never cared for my given name. I told a dear friend of mine this tonight. I told her that I am happy being a lesbian, and my chosen name is traditionally a masculine name. I was vulnerable and told her that while I am not quite ready to “come out” of the name closet to my family, I am letting a few friends know. Being the gentle soul she is, she listened and offered only two questions: What is the name you have chosen? Would you like me to start calling you by your chosen name?
I told her that my chosen name is Jonah. “Jonah is a beautiful name” she replied. It was the first time that anyone has called me Jonah, and I cried tears of joy. It felt right; I felt so seen and heard. She told me that she will do her best to not slip up and call me by my given name, but it may happen as she has known me for a couple of years and is used to my given name. She made me feel so seen and loved and understood and supported. I am truly blessed to know such a genuinely kind person.