Question regarding if Arizona is TG "friendly/acceptable" prior to relocation

[Katja69]

Right.  So, I am a 46 year old who finally (after countless years of turmoil) identified and have fully accepted that I am TG.  I've been in therapy for close to a year (for other reasons) and as it turned out, my therapist's field of expertise is LGBT.  I finally expressed my self to her (the very first person to know) approximately 5 months ago from seeing a flyer at the office for closed access LGBT group sessions and have been attending them on a weekly basis.  No immediate family or parents to worry about (they are both deceased for quite some time).  Can't wait to begin HRT for MTF.

That said, I have decided to return to Arizona (in 2-3 years) after a 16 year absence.  I spent a year in Phoenix, but returned to the upper mid-west for pressing family issues.  Since the beginning of 2008, The "call" to return has been pulling me and I've recently decided that in a few years, I will be calling Mesa my home until I die.

So, I am wondering if there may be anyone familiar with not only AZ state, but also the greater Phoenix and East Valley as far as TG support, friendliness, what have you (at a loss for words at 03:00 hours).  I believe I read in a recent post that a Mod (Dena) is from around that area and wouldn't mind a PM or a "healthy" note here if possible.

Finally, a long time reader and finally decided to make a presence known.  Awesome site and members.

[JoanneB]

The Transgender Law Center as well as other sites have stats by states for the basics. As with all things in life YMMV.  I live in a "Village" just 5 miles from NYC. My wife especially as well as I fear for my safety and for our property if it got known that I am "One of THOSE". For several years I lived basically part-time as female in a rural area of West Virginia and never felt I would be in danger and never had any issues with locals

[Jacqueline]

Katja 69,

I don't have any experience with Arizona. I know we have a lot of members that have a lot of links with that sort of information.

I mostly wanted to welcome you. I also want to share some links with you. They welcome you to the site and explain our rules. Please take a moment to read through them:

Things that you should read

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
Reputation rules	News posting & quoting guidelines	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy

Once again, welcome to Susans. Look around, continue to ask questions and join in. I hope you find what you are looking for.

With warmth,
Joanna

[Dena]

I am here. I have spent much of my life living or visiting in Arizona and have never had any difficulty here other than treatment wasn't available here when I transitioned. Now, everything you need is available here with the exception of voice surgery. There are a number of therapist, sources of HRT and even a surgeon for FFS or GCS. I moved back in late 2011 and live in the Laveen area (cheap housing) and have had no problems here. If you want it, there is even a transgender bar located in central Phoenix.

As far as Mesa, there are two doctors in the area but therapy may be a bit hard to find. People are pretty accepting of differences because of the huge tourist trade. You don't insult the source of green.

[Tessa James]

there is even a transgender bar located in central Phoenix.

As far as Mesa, there are two doctors in the area but therapy may be a bit hard to find. People are pretty accepting of differences because of the huge tourist. You don't insult the source of green.

LOL, that was my recent experience touring around the Grand Canyon state.  I especially found the Flagstaff and Sedona areas to be friendly.  Bathrooms are not limited for trans people so much as limited for any tourists   I get that, living in an area frequented by hordes of tourists, we don't open all our doors

[Mariah]

 I visited their last May and I never had any issues. Everyone was nothing but kind and nice. Hugs
Mariah

[Katja69]

I would like to express my thanks for those have responded and to those who might respond later on.  I realize 2-3 years away is a bit of a spread and anything can happen between now and then.  However, there are many factors involved that press me for that time frame.  So, in the meantime I plan, plan and plan some more until my eyes and ears bleed.   

Someone posted about nightlife to be enjoyed in Phoenix.  Well, that will not be an issue as I don't "do" nightlife (not a people person at all).  In fact, I doubt I will ever leave my place (outside of appointments) and will grocery shop online if possible.  That's neither here nor there.

Again, thanks to all (past and future).