Hi, Really New Here

[NorCalShelby]

Hi Gals,

My name is Shelby and I'm pretty new to this. I've felt pretty much my entire life that I'm actually a woman, and have struggled to cope with that, while balancing my other life as a male. I've finally made the conscious decision to come out and to start my transformation to womanhood. I have no idea where to start. Most of my family isn't supportive, nor are my friends. I feel all alone, and am wondering how to get started on the road to becoming who I really am.

Thanks in advance for all of your help. Feel free to PM me!

Toodles,
Shelby

[Alainaluvsu]

Never underestimate family. They may be supportive down the road. You just have to make sure they see you happy before they become supportive.

[DriftingCrow]

Welcome Shelby! I hope you feel welcome here and make lots of friends. Though, I believe you need 15 posts in order to send/receive PMs.

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

Hi Shelby,

Welcome to our little family. Over 7974 members. 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 )

• Site Terms of Service and rules to live by
  
• Standard Terms and Definitions
  
• Post Ranks ( including when you can upload an avatar)
  
• Reputation Rules
  
• Age and the Forum
  
• Photo, avatars, and signature images policy
  

Janet  )O(

[Amelia Pond]

Hi Shelby, welcome to Susan's!

Amy

[King Malachite]

Welcome!

[Jessica Merriman]

Welcome to the family! You are definitely in the right place to learn and make friends who will support you. You will find a wealth of information from people living and dealing with everything from the beginning decisions to post SRS and anything in between. Hope to get to know you better, so dig right in and get started. BIG HUG! 

[Devlyn]

Hi Shelby, welcome to Susan's Place! I'm up near Boston. You'll meet a ton of new friends here. See you around the site, hugs, Devlyn

[Robin Mack]

...
I've finally made the conscious decision to come out and to start my transformation to womanhood. I have no idea where to start. Most of my family isn't supportive, nor are my friends. I feel all alone, and am wondering how to get started on the road to becoming who I really am.
...

As I'm sure you have found/will find out by reading the forums here, a *great* place to start is to find a therapist who works with gender-related issues, particularly one who has helped others transition in the past and who has experienced someone they are close to transitioning (or even better, themselves!).   They will know in advance what issues may come up and how to help you plan for them, and can give you great insight along the way. 

Congratulations, too, on finding Susan's... I've yet to find a more supportive, knowledgeable, and fun group of people on the web.  That is why I have decided to hang my lace-banded floppy sun hat here.

*hug*

[NorCalShelby]

Thanks for the warm welcomes!

Becoming a woman is something I always knew that I was to do, but it's only been recently that I've been able to open up about it and really express what I'm doing. I've always felt a bit feminine, or at least feminine-inclined, so it's been something I've always had.

Thank you so much. I really look forward to posting on here.

Shelby

[gennee]

Welcome to Susan's, Shelby. Congratulations on moving forward in your transition.

[Shaina]

Hi Shelby!

I'm new here too but I wanted to say congrats on your decision to transition! I think you're incredibly brave to pursue what you want and I wish you the best of luck on the journey.

As far as family and friends, support can come from the most unlikely of places. Even the internet

[gentle]

Welcome!  I don't mean to be obnoxiously nosey,  but how old are you?  The age at which you begin your transition is a very important part of the transition itself.  Do you have a solidly-established life as a male,  or do you feel like your family "saw it coming"?  I  have been transitioning for about 8 years,  and I can say that the time at which I began my transition (sophomore in high school) , no one really saw it coming.