Hi everyone

[fearless]

Hi everyone.  I'm new here and a bit anxious.  I am so glad I found this site as I now know I am not alone.  I knew, like most, at a very young age that I was different.  Not knowing how to deal with all those feelings, I stuffed them.  Now many years later, with a divorce behind me and currently raising a teenage son, something triggered all those feelings.  I have always been fairly masculine, and usually dressed in mens clothing.  However, I am currently experimenting with taking it a step further.  I am wanting to dress as much like a man as humanly possible, and to be able to pass as a man.
I feel like this is who I am, who I have always been, a man trapped in a woman's body.

But I am worried about my son.  I have previously came out as lesbian, and for the most part my son has handled it well.  As well as I can expect.  While it all feels so natural and right, I am struggling with what to do. Any advice?
 

[Valerie]

Welcome, welcome, come in, take off your coat and shoes, kick up your feet & bask in the warmth of the fire. 

You will find that Susan's is a place of compassion, respect, information, & support--a place where mutual sorrows, struggles and joys are shared.  Be sure to read the site rules, and check out the Wiki for tons of informative articles. 

I'm not TG and therefore not 'qualified' to offer advice in many situations, but never you fear, Fearless, many others will be coming along shortly to welcome you.  (I think Cassie will have a relaxing hot beverage for you, if I'm not mistaken!  )  And you will always find someone here who relates to you & can offer advice/ideas/suggestions. 

By the way, it's somewhat awkward addressing you as 'Fearless' (though no doubt you are, friend).....when you're settled in more, maybe you can think of something we can address you by.  Hope you'll stick around & let us get to know you....

Valerie

[Cassandra]

Hi Fearless,

Welcome to Susan's. We are happy to have you here. As you are no doubt already finding out we are a very friendly bunch. Highly opinionated about some things but we respect each others thoughts and feelings. Make sure you've read the site rules. The Wiki is full of information I think you will find useful as you travel your path. Steph our Wiki administrator has been working very hard to make it as informative as possible.

You will find many here who share your experience in one way or another so check the boards, You will find a lot of great advice that will apply to your situation. Don't be afraid to add your own opinions or start your own thread. So fix yourself a cup of tea, or other relaxing beverage, sit down, take your shoes off and set a spell.

Good Journey,

Cassie

[Peggiann]

Hello,

You have to be Fearless to be raising a teenage son... Just kidding we raised 3 of them nad quite a variety.

Welcome to Susan's and enjoy the wealth of information on this site. My Significant Other is Leah. She is TS planning on SRS. I come here a lot to learn more about her and what she's wanting to do. I have really become more comfortable with these the freindliest bunch of people I'v ever came acrossed. The wit and candor and intellect is abundant here.

Peggiann

[stephanie_craxford]

But I am worried about my son.  I have previously came out as lesbian, and for the most part my son has handled it well.  As well as I can expect.  While it all feels so natural and right, I am struggling with what to do. Any advice?

Hello fearless, ( as Val suggested you've got to pick a better name to start with )

I guess our next question to you would be what do you want to do, and why do you want to/need to,  do it.  That would give us more information to work with.  How old is your son, are you married (does your wife know) divorced, separated, single parent.  Lots of questions.

The unknown can be very scary, we have all experienced that but when armed with the known it's not so bad.

Steph

[Dennis]

Hi Fearless, welcome. It is scary contemplating transitioning at a later age. I'm 43 and started hrt to transition to male a year ago. I really only acknowledged it to myself a year and a half ago.

I'd suggest as a first step, looking to find a gender-friendly therapist in the area to start exploring your own feelings. When you are more comfortable with yourself and your roadmap, then that therapist can help you with coming out to your son and/or dealing with any subsequent issues that arise from that.

Again, welcome, and enjoy your stay.

Dennis

[Jillieann Rose]

Hello fearless,

I've raised 3 sons and glad I had my SO's help.
Hang in their and do get a therapist help.
You have come to the right place for support.
You are not alone.

Jillieann

[Shelley]

Hi Fearless,

No need to feel anxious although having said that I remember my early days here at Susan's and yes anxious is probably an apt description of those early days. As the others have said this is a friendly place and there is lots of opinions and information.

You will most likely find that others here have or are experiencing that which you are experiencing yourself. A little nore of a description about how you are feeling would as likely bring out the experiences of the others. Through this sharing of experiences you will I think find guidance on the path which is your journey through life.

So I think it appropriate that I wish you well and that journey and welcome you to Susan's.

Shelley 

[Kendall]

Do whats right.

Whats right? Thats what comes from your honest heart. From the spirit within your heart. A heart that has no conditions, no strings attached, no lies, no false ideals.

And be good. Goodness is something everyone can be despite where or what one does. To follow a Right and true path with goodness in your heart will lead you to where you should be.

Sounds like you should be dressing and living your inner boy/man.

As for worried about what others would think, I think some  here, especially me, have been too worried what others think of all my life to the point where I let what I thought their reaction "might be" stop me from even trying. Now that I am starting to reveal it to them, I am finding out that they are not reacting  in the horrible way I thought they were. I didnt even get a chance to meet the real me. I denied them that, since a was too afraid and paralized to even give them that chance. I have always tried being a good person, just not a true or honest person when it came to showing them 'who' i was.

More important you would be living with purpose and honesty.