Where to start?

[L3v1ath4n]

I apologize if this is the wrong place to post this, but I've definitively made my decision to transition today. I've wanted this for as long as I can remember, and used to cross-dress in high school, but my wife didn't understand. Now that I've signed the divorce papers, I feel like this is the time to be who I really am. That being said, I don't know where to begin. I hear all of these terms, and it confuses me. If anybody can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Mariah]

Hi L3v1ath4n, welcome to Susans. Ask anything we can help explain or help allow you to understand what terms or concepts your trying to understand. Your among friends now. I look forward to seeing you around the site. Good luck and Hugs.
Mariah

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[katrinaw]

Hi L3v1ath4n, welcome to Susan's 

First look through the forums like coming out of the closet; https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,29.0.html

Check out the https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,28.0.html transexual board, also  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,4.0.html the transgender board, also Beauty  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,155.0.html and help & how to's https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,39.0.html

Also go and see a Gender Therapist, they'll help you with yourself and next steps etc... Please ask anything...

Good luck on your Journey...

L Katy 

[L3v1ath4n]

Thank you so much, I read all of the rules and such, and now I'll be moving on to the forums that Katy recommended. This is all still new to me, and I'm quite worried about what my family will think. Its not a new idea to them, as I used to dabble in cross-dressing in high school, but my mother always thought it was just a phase haha. How did you get them to understand, if they ever did?

[suzifrommd]

Welcome.

It really helped me to start going out as a woman and try interacting with people that way. That helped solidify my understanding of what it involved and whether it was for me.

[amber roskamp]

I recommend meeting with a local support group, and getting to know other trans people in real life. They can point you in the right direction in many ways, like who is a good therapist to see, who are trans friendly doctors and endocrinologist in your area. You be able to get them to go shopping with you in case you don't feel comfortable in the womens section.

[Laura_7]

You might have a look here and the link there for a few thoughts that might help you:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,188206.msg1673903.html#msg1673903

There are basically two ways:
looking for a good gender therapist to help you along the way... not a gatekeeper but a supportive person... if you feel they are not supportive you might look for another...
and there was recently a discussion on online therapists...

or the informed consent route where you look for an endo who goes that route.

Having a therapist along the way might have some advantages...

And its all a process, I'd say take the time you need, take it step by step and keep at it.


hugs