Hello folks!
I just joined the forum, so I suppose I should introduce myself. You can call me Val or Valentine. I'm a 30-ish queer trans guy who recently moved to Philadelphia. I'm still finding my way around the city, but I'm lucky to have found a good therapist and accepting doctor.
My short list of non-LGBT interests includes: wandering around, making food, eating food, photography, design and fashion. If any of y'all need a pal who can get all Martha Stewart-y with you, I'm your man. But not the insider trading stuff. The other stuff. Like crudités and organization and floral arrangements.
I socially transitioned and began HRT a few years ago. I'm pretty androgynous and am read as male about half the time. I know some things I could do that would help me be consistently read as male, but I struggle with how much I should conform to the general public's many expectations for men. I try not to internalize other people's conclusions about me, but that's easier said than done.
I live with a cisgender partner, who is not very supportive of trans issues, and have a (long-distance) non-binary partner who is amazingly supportive, but often hard to contact. I joined Susan's Place to get in touch with more trans folks. It's tough staying positive with so much sexism and transphobia in the air, but likeminded friends definitely help. It refreshes the soul to talk with people who understand where you're coming from.
Can't wait to chat more with all of you. I'd love to make more friends both online and offline; if you're local to me & would like to hang out or explore Philly with someone, send me a message.
