Janine’s story

Gender:  woman

Sexuality:  Yes

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Current Home:  on the road

Where I’m from: West Virginia 

Where I grew up: Still working on that

Cultural Background: Displaced Polish American Hillbilly 

Interests: Being near water, aviation, my children and grandchildren

Being raised in West Virginia was a wonderful experience providing I conformed to gender norms. I did because I wasn’t aware of any alternatives. I left at the age of eighteen and began to discover the world. I have returned to these beautiful mountains at various times over the years before leaving again. Despite many beautiful and well intentioned people, I made the mistake of thinking that I could transition in the place that I knew as home. To my dismay, I can no longer live in peace in central West Virginia. 

Several years ago, I began my life on the road. I can’t help but smile as I pull the RV out onto the highway on a sunny morning. I’ve met several exceptional folks in my travels thus far and I genuinely hope to meet many more.

For reasons too great to list, I didn’t begin to transition until late in life, not until after I was beyond fifty. I would like to say that friends and family surprised me with their acceptance but that was hardly the case as so many before me have discovered. I do enjoy the support of all of my children and THAT makes all the difference.

I want to wish our entire community the absolute best in these difficult times. Please remember to support one another, stand up for yourself and other marginalized people. Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Jayme for taking on such a wonderful project and I hope that they realize how much they are appreciated.

PHOTOGRAPHER’S NOTE:  When I asked Janine to choose a place where she felt most in her element, she took a few days before replying: “I know the place… THIS is West Virginia.” Before we set out, she checked in on my comfort level with taking a long drive up a remote, winding dirt road into the mountains – with a stranger-turned-new-friend.  The destination was a deeply personal spot, full of memories she’d held since childhood.  Janine described this spot in almost utopian terms, yet she also wrestles with how to reconcile the struggles she experiences living here with her own piece of “almost heaven,” as I’ll call her special place that seems to exemplify West Virginia’s motto in many ways.   

October 2024