Are our photo threads unhealthy for our psychological wellbeing.

[Starla]

If that thread bothers anyone that much, then simply stay out of it. Many people "need" that thread for many reasons. I don't see the harm in it, and if someone doesn't "pass" then you can still be honest without being rude.

I would NEVER tell someone "Sorry you can't pass!" I give them tips on how they could pass better via makeup style or more flattering clothing. You can be constructive without killing someone's buzz. And let's be honest, how many of us have seen biological females that can't "pass" themselves? Probably every time I go to Walmart.

It's all in how you say it, and I believe in telling the "truth" as much as the next person but within reason.

[Christine Eryn]

Some of the picture threads warp my consciousness. I've seen both M2F and F2M sides completely transform themselves in just a few months into different people. My transition has been a 7 year physically painful, soul crushing, life tormenting, struggling to make progress agonizing process. And I'm still not done. At least some people have reached their goals and for them, I am happy. Sometimes I think, God, I'll never be that successful. Even though I've made tremendous strides, everything I've ever done up to this point means nothing until I go full time.

[katiej]

I think we're often too generous with the "sure, you pass" compliments in the do I pass thread.  But as others have said, some of us really need the compliments to help push us out the door.  Besides, passing is so much more than a photo.  Presentation, mannerisms, etc.

But I do like the before and after threads.  One thing that kept me from transitioning in my early 20's was that I was terrified of being the "guy in a dress."  I didn't really know what was possible.  So seeing the before and after photos were instrumental in opening my eyes to the possibilities.  Some people have just hit the genetic lottery, but I'll be happy even if I end up like most of them...reasonably feminine and blend-inable.