Susan's Place Logo

News:

According to Google Analytics 25,259,719 users made visits accounting for 140,758,117 Pageviews since December 2006

Main Menu

MtF; Why am I struggling so much to admit who I am?

Started by WhoAmIReally, October 18, 2015, 07:51:16 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

WhoAmIReally

Hello ladies and gentleman, here is my story, I am 19 years old and i am looking for your wisdom.
From a young age i have shown signs of wanting to be more feminine, from choosing tutu's over action men to pretending i was a woman all together, when going through puberty and growing up i had never really had the guts to search further into my gender and wether that was just me as a child or not.

Throughout this year, for around 8 months now i have been experimenting more and more with make up and shaving my legs and arms and refering to myself as a woman and well... Im loving it. At first i was using the term gender fluid so i could openly act feminine around my family and girlfriend who i have been together with for 3 years now, both of which are fully supportive of me. She has agreed to refer to me as her girlfriend at time and  if im truly honest i love it.

However thats not my problem, the issue i am currently facing is am i actually transgender? Is this a phase? Should i go and talk to a gp and get information or talk to my family, i have spoken with my girlfriend who i think feels quite aprehensive about the whole situation and has tried to sway me in the direction of i am a man and just womanly.... but i feel like i am lying to myself. I look in the mirror and feel i should have breast, i look downwards and feel like that should not be there. But i feel like im battling my own mind of who i really am? Has anyone else experienced these feeling before? Is this a normal phase od transgender people? Should i just follow my heart and soul? Can anyone give their opinion on what they think?
Thankyou <3
  •  

AnnahM

I definitely went through those emotions, especially when I was 19. But then I thought it was a "phase" and I'd grow out of it, too. The thing is, there are a TON of emotions that come with being gender fluid or trans. I am now 11 yrs post-op and to this day still feel kind of like both genders. And I think that may be a key thing here - that not knowing what gender we are bit - because perhaps in reality gender is only a mental/social construct and perhaps we humans are much more fluid in gender, sexual orientation, and all of that than we realize. It could explain a lot.

One of the other things that is a challenge is this: just the very notion of being able to transition can be a factor. That we can think, "I CAN be a woman, if I want to." is exciting. The possibility is there, but does that mean you should go for it? Who knows. That choice always comes down to you.

Perhaps spending as much time as you can in girl mode will help you figure things out. You should definitely join a real world support group. Nothing else even comes close to finding out where you fall on the gender spectrum than hanging out with a bunch of similar folks, especially when they're all over the spectrum.

Lastly, are you seeing a counselor or psychologist about it? If not, find one who is experienced in transgender issues. It is usually pretty easy to find one via a support group, or vice versa. Look into both.

Ultimately, the decision to transition fully comes down to what is right for you. Only you can make the choice, but make sure you make the choice based on a solid decision and not a spur-of-the-moment one.

Best of luck to you!
  •  

Kylie1

I've thought I was in a phase for over 40 years.  It doesn't end.  It can be drastic or mild, but doesn't really ever go away.  These ladies have some good information here and hopefully you can find your way.
Xx
  •  

Qrachel

Hi -

If it helps, try avoiding putting a label to the matter and just go with the flow, including seeing a therapist regularly to help guide you along the path you eventually take.  Also, try to spend time with others (via a support group) who are also somewhere on the paths of their gender journeys.

Take good care and stay in touch,

Rachel
Rachel

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow."
  •