Newly trans looking for advice

[asepon]

Hi everyone.

New to this place and this is my first post, so I just wanted to apologize ahead of time if I don't explain something correctly, and/or there is a proper location for this topic.  If I haven't and there is, please let me know :)

I'm 29 and recently came out as a transwoman.  As shocked as I think I should be, I'm actually more shocked with how comfortable I am with myself now.  Started seeing a psychiatrist recently, primarily as a "sounding board" to express my jumbled thoughts on the matter, but also to lay the groundwork if I decide to make the leap (in my state you need a recommendation before the hormones).  Obviously there are a lot of fears including my future career, family, friends, social acceptance, etc.

With that in mind, I wanted to preface my question by stating this is truly not coming from pure vanity.  I believe my fears are justified, and my physical presentation is inherently linked to them, at least to a certain extent.  I simply want to prepare myself for what lies ahead and how I might prepare myself both mentally and physically to ease my transition.  And I know this is a purely subjective question as everyone has a different experience.

Without invasive surgery, how likely will I be able to "pass" as a woman? Certain things like facial hair and hair line are obvious, but I've been rather concerned with my chin and my brow (both the brow bone and the dip between my nose and the brow).  Both of those appear to be the most masculine features on my face.

Regardless of how I look during and after my transition, if I choose to go through with this, I'm going to go through with it.  Will I be the most attractive transwoman?  Definitely not.  But I'm comfortable enough to say this is about me, not for other people to look at.  It's going to be a long journey and one that will inevitably cause some pain, but I'm happy about change and looking forward to it :)

If you have any suggestions, advice, comments, recommendations, criticisms (those help you grow, too!), please feel free to let me know.

And as previously mentioned, please point me in the right direction if this topic is incorrectly posted >.<

Thank you very much!

S.

[Lyric]

Well, I don't know if you'd be the "most attractive", but you're certainly closer to it than a lot of folks. You look fine to me. The obvious beginning suggestion would be to start growing your hair longer. If you've worn it that short for a long time, it's going to be difficult to manage until it is long enough that the weight of it changes the angle of growth. Try to keep it smoothed down as much as possible for that first year, but after that it should look fine.

[asepon]

Thanks for the tip!  I didn't even think about my hair.  Yes, I've had it short for a while now, but plan on simply letting it grow from here on out.

[mrs izzy]

Asepon
Welcome to Susan's family.
There are a few here that should have information to help. I feel passing is very subjective to each. Me I have found confidence in one self holds a lot to living in your Gender role.
Now pull up a chair and give a look over the following links for the site info...

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Safe passage on your path, popcorn?

Izzy

[Cindy]

It is a common fear here of not passing or of being a male looking woman. But of you look at the before and after thread you will be truly inspired.

I have to admit that even though I transitioned at 58 I am totally unrecognisable from my old male self after 3 years of HRT, laser and a good hairstyle.

Hang in there girl, you can do it