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Julia Kaye is a 28-year-old cartoonist living in Los Angeles. She's already famous from her webcomic 'Up And Out', but last year a big change came to her life - she became a transgender woman. This was clearly a very hard step to make and Julia went and is still going through many challenges that bring both melancholic and optimistic feelings.

With encouragement from her friends, Julia started to make comics about her transition. The series focuses on her feelings, moments of insecurity or triumph while reaching important personal milestones, such as buying a dress for the first time, learning how to use eyeliner, and talking about her transition to her family and friends.

The artist found this process very therapeutic - "It got me to set aside time at the end of my day to reflect on how I was feeling. And because I was making the comics for myself, I allowed myself to be more honest than I might have been otherwise." Eventually Kaye decided to share the comics publicly, realizing she could give other trans people content that they could directly relate to, and the feeling that they're not alone, as well as give others insight into what it's like to live with gender dysphoria. Check them out!

More info: Tumblr | Instagram | Twitter

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Louise Åkesson
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've got tears, thoughts and smiles.. A real empathy booster and an awesome, brave and talented artist.. I adore Julia! Hugs from denmark

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Jessica Clay
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Save your vitriolic b******t. No one here cares about your narrow minded opinion. Rejecting a fundamental aspect of one's identity would be to repress who they truly feel they are, day after day, for a lifetime. Gender is about more than private parts, and if you don't know that or can't grasp that then you have no business contributing your opinion.

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Seong Jin
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love your comics! As a genderfluid person I relate sooooo much!

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Marie-Eve Barette
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is an universal truth in this. Too often, we develop anxiety about something, only to realize that we worried for nothing. Story of my life...

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Daria B
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least, if you dress like a woman, no one will really notice anything, as female toilettes have better privacy than males', so don't be afraid, girl. Just go and do your business.

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Chris Beres
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😱💜 this is great, just changing "when you were a guy", to "when I thought you were a guy" makes the phrase change from underhandedly transphobic, to a way of showing validation while discussing something from before being out. What an amazing friend!

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Shauday Smith
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

people like to say that external validation shouldn't mean anything... but it soooo does for everyone. Of course i want other people to like me, and not put me down, or invalidate my experiences because they haven't had to deal with them. The downer to being a social species... but also an upper when you gain a support network that can help keep you up when others get ya down.

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Zenozenobee
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know, sometimes people are just tired or distracted ;) I've been called "Mr" by a cashier last week and I am a cis woman, I have long hair and currently huge tits thanks to breastfeeding. These kind of professions see a lot of people a day and repeating the same sentences again and again.... They are likely to make mistakes, you know, just like the kids that call the teacher "Mum" ;p Yet, I understand it can hurt your feelings. You don't need to grow a thicker skin for that (I'm affraid you're armor will have better use), you just have to realise you're a beautiful woman and that those kind of error are just scatterbrain mistakes.

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Marzo Florida
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to admit. Its a little hard for me to accept transgenders or, their lifestyle choices. But one things for sure: judging isnt an option. They are people, and not creatures like some people treat them as. Im glad Julie has loving friends in her life :)

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Alex Newell
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weren't you "Julie" in another comic? Or just a nickname perhaps. That name would be harder to mishear.

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Raluca Ral
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welcome to the world of tall and insecure girls. This thing was so normal for me but i went over it.

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Paula Bogomolova
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can never get it right. I struggle to the point that I get two different thick lines and get irritated

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Logan Jackson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're probably just trying to be nice and upset you 😔 I've seen it in person

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Tanya Randstoft
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Spent a Saturday night at a police station once, about a year and half into my transition... The officer refused to accept that my drivers license was mine...

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Ariella Healer
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was washing up in the ladies' room last week and the lady using the sink next to me turned to me and said, "I just love your hair!" The effects of HRT are starting to show. Even at age 66. It's amazing,exciting, and wonderful!

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Shawn Ruester
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know many women that wear and buy guy cloths so I'd say wearing them occasionally would still be acceptable unless it makes you feel awkward then do what you need to do.

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Naima Ivansdóttir
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

of course not! there's plenty of women with deep voices. think of cher! wonderful voice and nobody would question her femininity for that! :)

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Larry Jakubecz
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, typically, a female deep voice won't be taken for a male's-- it's a whole different tonal range that most people can pick up on. I don't think it's the quality of voice that sells femininity, though, as much as how a trans woman carries herself-- which comes from within, of course.

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Mandy Ward
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The number of times I've been mistaken for a boy / man because I have a big skeletal structure and a deeper voice than "normal" for a Cis Woman. It shouldn't stop you feeling like the woman that you are.

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DancingToMyself
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always loved to hear woman with deep awesome voice. It's sexy!

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Hiruya
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know a few women who sound like men. Don't bother yourself. If you try to pitch your voice it will sound fake

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Anna Mundi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually...sometimes that does happen.We're more tolerant of deviating from gender norms that we were when I was a young woman, but not by much.

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Andrzej Raczynski
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

different people find different voices grating/irritating, I personally prefer the normal to deep range, over the high pitched squeaky voices. deeper sounds sultry, squeaky sounds childish/immature.

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Jessica Drosinou
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a deep voice and was bullied for it during my school years. I still occasionally feel hyper aware and self conscious of it. I got called a guy a few times. Im 5'2" with huge boobs but apparently people are stupid and offensive. Shocking right? My point is the pitch or tone of your voice has no bearing on your femininity honey. F**k em. Xxxx

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Nicole
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a deep voice and people question my femininity all the time! :/ I guess it depends on where you're from, and how people around you think about femininity. I can be standing at my work, and if I don't raise my pitch I either get accused of being angry and rude, or people ask me if I used to be a guy. :( It's exhausting and a bit hurtful to be honest.

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Nicole
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a deep voice and people question my femininity all the time. :/ I guess it depends on where you're from and how people around you think. I can be standing at my work, and if I don't raise my pitch I either get accused of being angry and rude, or people ask me if I used to be a guy. It's exhausting and a bit hurtful.

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Kristina Nicole
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Chica I was born a woman and have a deep gravelly voice don't sorry about it you're a super hot sexy woman with a deep SULTRY woman's voice! 😉

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Lazy Panda
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had a deeper voice than all of my friends, even in kindergarten. I just ignored it, doesn't matter how your voice sounds! Sometimes I look at myself and see a girl who looks like they used to be a boy (I was born a girl and I am cis) but I don't mind and I just embrace it :) you know you're a girl, just embrace your flaws because you are still a woman no matter what anyone else thinks or says to contradict that

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mdorado
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's nothing better than women with deep voices! I wish mine was (even) deeper

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Sheila Stamey
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sweetie, unfortunately, we girls have this talent for being our own worst critic.

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Cheesy Potato
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the only thing that changed is that the real you has come to life

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nuttyballoon
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You've discovered one of the unfortunate truths of female life. Welcome to the new normal!

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Teddy Ward
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so odd how people (includong me at times) add needless gender markers into our passing comments to strangers. Never realized this as much until I started transitioning.

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Sunzilla
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I also wear men's socks. They are thicker and longer... a bit big for my feet, but I don't care. They happen to be cheaper too...

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Sarah Laurent
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But... you're a woman ! That's why :D Every woman thinks like that, lol ! <3

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Erika Jones
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This also happens to women who change their last name when they get married - takes forever to change everything over - seems like an endless process.

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Nadine Lujan
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately it comes with being a woman in our society :) sad, but women do have a hard time accepting compliments. And when we do - we are considered conceited (who does she think she is? She ain't all that). You are gorgeous!

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Kerry Pye
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they can't accept you for the amazing woman you are, then they was never true friends to begin with.

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Tanya Randstoft
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Walking past a shop-facade can be hard those days... Now, 20+ laser treatments in, I'm finally all but free from dark facial hair...

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Kerry Pye
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From what i've seen and read, you have amazing support and will never be alone.

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Joanna K.
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who cares about few short hairs, geeez. I remember days when I couldn't left home without shaving my legs and now I'm like "I shaved 3 days ago, that;s enough, too lazy to do it everyday" :D

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Maïté Dupont
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That means you really are a woman, because all of us feel insecure (woman's beauty standards are so unreal and depressing for each of us).. Just never forget to love yourself for who you are ! You are so strong and brave, keep going forward girl !

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Catarina Anderson
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg, what it's like to talk to a therapist? I never talked to one, i feel like they are just like everyone, they point their finger to their head and they say: "Your problem is you, not your body". Idk, does a therapist at least hear us and confort? They seem like they are there to say: "You are transgender" or "You are not transgender" , I don't want to talk to someone and say: "I'm 100% sure is this what i want" so they let me be who I'm. If I say: "I'm not really sure, this is so confusing", it looks like they will say: "SO YOU ARE CONFUSED, YOU ARE NOT TRANSGENDER, OUR SECTION IS OVER, NEXT"

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Taryn Wallace
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who had a close friend transition it was a little hard switching pronouns and I felt horrible but eventually we got there.

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Jessica Slater
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just started my transition five months ago, and it feels like it's barely moving at all...your comics are enormously helpful and reassuring to me...oh, and inspiring!

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Georgia
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're not alone here, my ex saw me once in 4 years without make up, i just felt so self conscious without it, many girls feel insecure without make up, it'll change with age xx

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Donna Mixon
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Women shave their faces, too. Selma Hayek. The chick who just married Joe Manegiello...from Modern Family (can't remember her name). Beautiful women. So don't be ashamed. Plenty of women have facial hair. Screw people who care.

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floating_delight
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

even though your comics are black and white, from where I sit, it seems like you can see all shades of all colours, and you are amazing at showing it to others as well. thank you for your amazing rainbow of positive thoughts and emotions. we all got a lot to learn from you.

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Teddy Ward
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never thoight I would cole out to my extended family (very VERY Catholic) but when I did they all said "oh Teddy, we already fogured that out!" It was surprising, in a good way.

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RainbowMocha
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are beautiful, with and without makeup. Gender is about how you feel, not about how you look, even though it's not wrong to be self-conscious. My sister recently got a super short haircut and people always mistake her for a boy, but she is proud of how she looks and always makes sure to correct them.

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Oliver Gloxin
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looking at you because you are beautiful maybe? It does happen to beautiful women!

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Teddy Ward
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's hard, you're not lying for him though. You're saving yourself the mental energy of explaining to every person who asks.

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Amaranthim Talon
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not just create a new FB with the information that you transitioned. That way it isn't as if you are lying to anyone, especially yourself, yet you have moved on from your prior existence. Who you were is not any less real. You have changed into another phase of who you truly are.

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Jeeves
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you so much for your beautiful comics Julie!! I love your style and I hope life goes the way you want it to!!!!

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