Thanks to you all!

[Joan]

Hello, Susan's Place!

So it's Sunday morning where I am and it's raining, but after an evening out on the town last night with my partner I'm feeling pretty good.

This was my first time out in front of people as myself and despite some initial nervousness I have to say that it was absolutely fantastic  

I came out about 6 weeks ago, and since then I've made so many little steps forward, and now here I am out for the world to see (if they can be bothered to look lol).

I only just registered here after I came out, but everyone's so helpful and supportive.  Thanks to you all

Therapy begins on Tuesday, and I hope to get on HRT just as soon as I can.

[Sharon Lynn]

Congratulations on the great big step hun!  You deserve MAJOR -hugs-

[evecrook]

congratulations

[Joan]

Thank you, Sharon Lee and evecrook

[Devlyn]

The little steps add up, don't they?  Hugs, Devlyn

[Ms Grace]

That's great news Joan. I believe you said elsewhere that you currently live in Japan? How would you rate the cultural attitude there to transgender people?

[mrs izzy]

Congrats
Keep take things one step at a time as you must.

Hugs
Izzy

[Joan]

That's great news Joan. I believe you said elsewhere that you currently live in Japan? How would you rate the cultural attitude there to transgender people?

Hi Grace

I'm still envious of those dresses. Yes, I am in Japan, and as I'm 187cm tall (6'2") any dress I buy here ends up being empire-waisted and really well above the knee

Attitudes to transgender people in Japan. Well, there are quite a few 'professional transsexuals' on the TV (Haruna Ai, Nana Yoshii) so most people have an idea of what we're about. My daughter, 9 at the time, explained to me very earnestly that Haruna Ai's "body was a boy but her heart is a girl's". Generally speaking, transvetitism is culturally accepted (Kabuki and No for example where female parts are played by men, and Takarazuka with the oppposite), and there are hostess bars staffed by ->-bleeped-<-s and transsexuals finding a way to pay the rent.

It's not easy to get work in more everyday jobs, though, especially in the early stages of transition.  And the medical profession seems very conservative toward us, very much standing at the gate and doing their best not to let us through.

Having said that, I can't imagine anyone getting beaten up or even verbally abused for being a transsexual in Japan.

Actually, i'll be visiting Australia next year.  I was planning to spend the time there full time as Joan. How careful should I be? 

[Joan]

Thanks Devlyn, Izzy I will keep taking little steps forward and the odd one backwards