This past weekend's Post-Bulletin feature about the experiences of transgender individuals has added what seems like a college semester's worth of information to my brain.

I spoke with photographer Jerry Olson, who joined me along the way for the interviews that stretched from late spring through Wednesday afternoon.

We'd like to suggest that readers of the articles give themselves time to digest what they've read.

It's OK to feel a little uncomfortable and unsettled. Many of us have never before met someone who has transitioned from male to transgender female or from female to transgender male.

I myself figured it would be a struggle to find people able to share stories about life as a transgender person.

Instead, I've met several who are transgender. Those I've met have been friendly, but actually quite diverse in personality types — just like the rest of society.

It's easy to be quick to judge people. But maybe take some time to let what you read "percolate" (that's Jerry's word).

The use of a single word can have tremendous personal meaning to someone who is transgender. If you say "he" when in a conversation about a transgender man and "she" when talking about a transgender woman, it can be profoundly reassuring to the individual.

Of course, we've seen transgender people compassionately excuse those around them who slip up by accident. It's to be expected, after all, that loved ones who have known someone as John for 20 or 30 years might accidentally say John a few times in the beginning instead of Joanna.

And I think it's important to acknowledge that those decades it took for Joanna to become female gave her time to know for certain how she feels. Family, friends and coworkers might need a little time to come to that same resolution.

I have great empathy for transgender individuals who risk physical and psychological violence, discrimination (even from health providers) and a risk for suicide far beyond society's risk overall.

I thank Alexa, Addie, Kendra and Liam, the individuals featured in this past weekend's articles, for the gift they have shared with Southeast Minnesota readers. You have allowed us to have a glimpse into what your world is like.

I hope you'll find comfort in a society that grows to accept you.