Why hello, hello!

[Charlequin]

Heya! I'm Charlequin and I just started therapy for my feelings of gender dysphoria last week!(!!!) My therapist wanted me to join in on a board so I could get in touch with others like me and get to know the whole process a little bit more intimately than I know it now. Well here I am!

I'm 23 years old, MtF, and I've been VERY quiet about it for a long time. It's something that I have spent many years suppressing; I remember back in my childhood envying the girls because I loved their clothes, hair, and toys. When I started school, though, I began pushing back those feelings and as I got older I explained it away as I was gay. It didn't really feel right still, but I went on as a gay male. Eventually I fell in love with drag, and when I finally did drag for this past Halloween, it didn't even feel like I was doing drag. I just felt right. I wanted to do my makeup, don the wig, and get back into my heels every day because I just felt so free. The feelings I'd been suppressing just flooded out and on Christmas Eve, I had an emotional breakdown because I just couldn't keep going on the way I have been.

So now I'm in therapy, like I said, and I'm so excited to get this journey moving. I am going to have to be extremely patient I know. The wait is going to be entirely worth it though. No more trying to be something I'm not. I can finally be who I truly am, and let my friends and family see the real me that's inside.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Charlequin,

A big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. It's good of you to drop in and say "Hi". Hope you like it here, and you stay for a while.

There is a mountain of information, resources and friendship waiting for you here, you just need to jump in start talking and ask any question you like. You're quite safe here and we are very accepting.

Good to hear you've started your journey on the right track, with a therapist. Also good to know you have accepted yourself for who you are.

Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

Hi Charlequin,

Welcome to our little family. Over 9685 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another sister.

And be sure to check out these links ( MUST READS )

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Janet 

[gennee]

Hi Charlequin and welcome to Susan's. Your intgro reminds me of the first time I wore heels-felt like I had worn them all my life. It's great that you have accepted yourself. This will help you as you progress forward.

[Charlequin]

Thank you for the warm welcome! Stepping into heels definitely felt natural. I knew how to walk in them almost instantly, it was quite the feeling! I am excited to be able to share my story with you all in words and pictures as things progress

[Jamie D]

Welcome Charlequin, from cold and chilly southern California! 

Feel free to explore any and every part of the boards.  Ask questions and join the discussion.

This past Halloween I too was dressed.  Though it was more vocational. 

[Devlyn]

Hi Charlequin, welcome to Susan's Place! I'm up near Boston. Glad you found the site,  see you around! Hugs, Devlyn

[Cindy]

Hi Charlequin,

Another welcome from Australia, good to see you. Yes it can take time, and sometimes the steps feel small but hey girl, any step in the right direction is a good one.

Hugs and welcome and join in. More you join in the more you enjoy.

Cindy

[spring0721]

Charlequin,welcome! I'm so excited for you that you've begun therapy and started your journey.  I wish you luck & hope this forum will be helpfull to you.