My uncle passed away the day we buried my grandmother, a year after his twin passed away. They were both amazing people who lived incredible lives.

My aunt, the twin, was a carpenter and built their homes, one in Long Island and another in Connecticut. Both were born female, but one lived as a lesbian while the other lived as a man.

My uncle worked his way up in New York’s banking industry. Powerful men took orders from him at a time when women were not seen as men’s equals. Nobody outside the family besides their doctors knew my uncle’s secret. I wonder how many people besides my uncle had such a life. Its absolutely incredible!

I will miss my uncle. He took me into his home and shared his stories with me and kept me laughing through out my visit.

Rest in power, Uncle Bert!