Hello, everyone!
I'm a newbie to these boards, but an "old-bie" to many parts of the trans communities. I'm a man of trans experience (ie., FTM), on T since the late 1990's, and top surgery same. I live in New England with my partner and some cats. I'm gay, and stealth for the most part except in settings where it makes sense to disclose. Sometimes that's a work setting - I work in public health & sexual health counseling - but I've also been an member of my local group for a long time, which we have constructed to be as "stealth-friendly" as possible.
To be honest, it's easier for me to help other people (especially younger & newer FTMs) than share much about myself. I am joining this board now because some other online spaces where trans people hang out can enable or facilitate the pain of our 'woundednesses' to be directed at each other. That makes me sad, and reinforces my reticence to share my own difficulties. So...I'm hoping for a kinder space. From what I've seen in the past few days, this site has more of that vibe, and structures to keep conversations respectful.
Let's see...to move away from the heavy stuff....I like camping, textile arts, printmaking, and art journaling. I'm a not-very-competent gamer (PC), but I enjoy the ones I run around in (WoW, LOTRO, SL). I tend to go to a couple of trans gatherings almost every year (Northeast FTM Campout, Philadelphia Trans Health, First Event, GLAP-NYC). Philly Trans Health is getting better every year, btw, and it's free to attend. I'm a Christian, specifically Episcopalian by denomination, but very comfortable in worship settings like the Vineyard, or even larger gatherings like Soulfest (NH). I also participate as a full member of a trans-inclusive pagan group, which is respectful of those of us who are Christians.
I came out during a time when you had to "know someone, who knew someone" to get any access to information. Even though things today are very different, there's still no substitute for people helping each other out. So thanks for maintaining this space.
I've already read through the rules links.
I'm hoping to move out of the new-kid zone within the next couple of days, and I'm working on writing shorter posts and replies.
thanks,
T
