How important has the internet been to your transition.

[allisonsteph]

Without the internet I never would have learned that there were other people like me, and there was a name for the horrible discomfort I had with my body. Without the internet I never would have learned that transition is possible. Without the internet it is highly likely I would not be alive today.

[herekitten]

No effect on my 'transition'.  Without the internet I would not have met my husband -- oooh that love of my life how I LOVE him so!!!  I've also made some wonderful online friends because of it.  And I would not have discovered Susans Place.

[Ltl89]

It is very important to me.  I've been reflecting on this a lot lately cause I have considered shutting my account for privacy reasons but this has been my support system.  The place where I can share stuff, vent, get advice, connect with others in the same boat and get to be treated/percieved as female.  I need this cause transitioning alone is very hard and there is a lot I continue to need help and guidance as I'm very lost and terrified.  Talking about it and getting encouragement helps me maintain hope that I can get through this and that one day I can be happy and have the life I want.

Prior to my transition it was important as well.  It helped me understand that there are many others going through the same thing and made me feel better about being trand.  Also it gave me hope to bligs and watch vlogs on youtube to see that there is a light at the end if the tunnel.  It gave me hope that thete can be a better tomorrow.

[Karen5519]

The Internet was around when I transitioned but still in its infancy in many ways as to the number and type of websites that were available.  I did use a forum back in 2000 to meet other people like myself.  It allowed me to see that I was not alone and many of those people were not unlike me in that they too were just trying to live their life the best that they could.  The connections I made on the forum provided me information as to which doctors were best for my FFS and GRS at that time.  Oddly, even after all the years that have passed, I am still very good friends with two other women that I met on that forum, both of which successfully transitioned and today have great marriages and live totally stealth.  Today, the Internet allows me the opportunity to help others who are transitioning or considering that step while remaining, for the most part, stealth.

[Lady Smith]

There wasn't an internet here in New Zealand when I transitioned so it had no effect.  I learned about folk like me for the first time from Caroline Cossey's book.

The internet has been great now that I'm older and don't get out so much due to illness because it enables me to get to know and talk with like minded people whom I wouldn't otherwise meet.

[neko]

with internet i found a free psyco for the subjects..but also a girlfriend who opened the pandora box...

[heholetsgo]

The internet was useful for me to find out what steps to take and where to take them, and to speak with other people who have been through it, but it had no impact on making me want to transition. I would've done it anyway, although with a bit more difficulty!

[FreyasRedemption]

I got rid of my denial mindset with webcomics, I read my first valid information about being transgender at TV Tropes, and I gained a better understanding and a chatting partner from here.
So, I would say the Internet has had some influence over my transition.

[TG CLare]

It was a great help. It allowed me to find a clinic, therapist and ultimately my surgeon! It has allowed me to connect with others through this forum and to exchange ideas and knowledge.

While the internet has been a blessing, at the same time it has allowed others to use it to harm people and to pursue illegal things with a far greater security than ever.

However, I believe it's been more good than evil but that all depends on whom you ask.

Love,
Clare

[kittenpower]

I would have eventually transitioned without it, but it showed me the how, what, when, where, and why, in one fell swoop

[Skylar1992]

In terms of support and information, very helpful. In terms of making the decision, no help at all since it was always pretty certain

[stephaniec]

It's been incredibly  useful for me . Just being on this site for the past two years it opened a whole world of talking to people going through the same thing. My view of the transgender community is so much richer through talking on Susan's and being part of the news staff I learn so much everyday. My mind would of only known the Jerry Springer part of the trans community without the internet.

[warmbody28]

it not only helped me but also my dad. he did so much research and it helped him understand more

[AnonyMs]

I was sitting in front of my computer when I realized I was trans. I think it was something about SRS and it suddenly occurred to me I could do that. It all blew up in that moment and life's never been the same since.

I knew about it before, from Internet and books, but somehow it was all in that moment. I think if Internet as today had existed when I was young I'd have started young. And the information available on line has made it all relatively easy. I don't want to think what it would have been like before that.

[Emileeeee]

I discovered the Internet in I think 1996 and the first thing I searched for was sex change. Until then I had no idea that I wasn't the only one. I was pretty surprised to find a decent amount of information on it which led me to irc channels, support groups, and shear terror from the cost.

If I hadn't found anything on the net, I probably would have continued to hide it in secret for the rest of my life.