Hi

[Joan]

Hello everybody

I don't suppose my story is that much different from everybody else's in the main, just a few variations in the details.

I've spent a long time coming to an understanding of the hand life has dealt me, and especially the last 8 months have been hard, but I've finally come to accept what I am, managed to get through my first coming out and I'm now about to start the journey proper.

First appointment with a counselor is on 4th December! Yay!!

Lots of things I hope to learn here, but I'm looking forward to getting to know you all more than any of that

[Dalex]

Let me be the first to welcome you to Susan's Joan!

Everyone here is absolutely great

And I suppose congratulations are in order with your first appointment as well

Welcome to the family!

-Dalex

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

Hi Joan,

Welcome to our little family. Over 8207 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(

[Jessica Merriman]

Hi Joan! I am so glad to have another family member here. This place is sooo special words fail. Being family now you will see what I mean as the level of respect and friendship is at times overwhelming. Susan's is VERY addictive though and you will find time passes very fast when you come here. PM me if you ever need anything. Glad to have you with us baby! 

[Claire (formerly Magdalena)]

HI, Joan!

Welcome to the family! These are the best, most supportive people around. I can't say enough good things about this place. You've found a home here now. We're in your corner no matter what happens. I promise. 

Don't be shy, ask many questions, look for your own answers.

love,
-maggie

[Robin Mack]

Welcome, welcome!  Congratulations on finding/making an appointment with a therapist.  It's a HUGE first step, and you've already accomplished it!

There are so many people on this site that fill my heart with joy and love that I couldn't possibly name them all; I hope that you find them and embrace them; they will give you strength and encouragement when you need them most, and celebrate with you when your heart is full of joy.

*hug*

[Devlyn]

Hi Joan, welcome to Susan's Place! I'm up near Boston. It sounds like you get the idea of the site. Learning is good, but it is each of us contributing that builds the site. Looking forward to hearing your side of things.  Hugs, Devlyn

[Joan]

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome. 

When I was looking for information and understanding about all of this, Google turned this place up and all the threads and wikis were so helpful with so many things.

Didlex - making that first appointment was quite a nerve-wracking experience, and I stared at the phone for a good hour before I finally called the first place.  Then they told me that it would take a minimum of 18 months to reach a diagnosis Fortunately the second (and only other place within 200 miles) was much better. 

Janet - thanks for the official welcome, and I'm very glad to be here.  I will make sure to read through the links

Jessica - thanks for the kind words and the warm welcome

Maggie - thank you! It's nice to have some more people in my corner

Robinmack - thank you too for the warm welcome

Devlyn - thanks to you, too.  I'm in Japan, which is not my country of birth, so the whole gender change/name change change part is going to be a legal nightare

[Jamie D]

Welcome Joan.

I have no idea what the laws and protocols are in Japan, but 18 months to get a "diagnosis" is outrageous.

If you need a diagnosis letter for you transgender condition, perhaps you should consider a certified online therapist.

[Joan]

Thank you Jamie!

The minimum time according to the Japanese guidelines is 6 months, so I'm not sure where the minimum of 18 months came from

I hadn't thought about online therapy. What a fantastic idea! If things don't work out with the therapist I will definitely look into the possibility

[Amelia Pond]

Hi Joan, welcome to Susan's!

Amy

[Joan]

Thank you, Amy

[Gina Taylor]

Hi Joan.
A warm welcome from our family is extended to you.
Look forward to getting to know you better through your posts. *HUGS*

[Joan]

Hi, Gina and thanks for the welcome

[Emily.T]

Hi Joan and welcome to our community a place to feel welcome.

Emily.T xx

[Joan]

Thanks, Emily!

It certainly is that

[gennee]

Welcome to Susan's, Joan. Congrats to you on finding a therapist.

[Joan]

Thanks to you too, Gennee

In truth, I'm a little bit nervous about it, but so pleased to finally be getting started!