wanting to transition, afraid of what it might do.

[Life-as-Grace]

Hello everyone,

I'm 23 years old (MTF) I keep having all these feelings and urges that I was born into the wrong body. I'm going to see if I can get an appointment at a gender identity center in my area, they offer counseling and can get you forms and such to legally transition. I'm very afraid of what transitioning might do to my future and the people I know. I told my best friend and she has been very supportive, I tried to tell my mother and she thinks I'm just confused, I haven't come out to anyone else yet. I work at a mid-level hotel that attracts a lot of business people, and I'm worried that they might not support me in transitioning. I live in Colorado, so if anyone knows if its considered illegal or not please let me know. I'm also worried about my career as a future event planner/business owner. I only have two semesters left in college and after that I'm going to work at a hotel and plan events then start my own business, and I'm really unsure if future clients will think I'm a freak and not want to do business with me.
I think at this point in my life, I shouldn't ignore these feelings that I've had for a long time and finally start investigating them some more. I feel like if I ignore these and later in life I might regret not doing it at a younger age. I also feel like I may not be passable and I would just get clocked left and right. Since I started college, I've developed a lot of anxiety and depression and feel it would add more to my problems.
I know I'm not confused, because I watch so many transgender people talking about how and why they transitioned and I can relate so much to that. I think I'm more scared than anything else.
If anyone can offer any advice that would be fabulous.
Bonus points if anyone lives in CO and knows of any support groups near Denver

[Cindy]

Hi Hon,

Welcome the site and to the exciting life you have ahead of you!

Well I know billionaires (one), millionaires (a few) and many high professional people, medics, lawyers, business owners who are trans.

Being trans is a gender issue and nothing to do with your ambition or your ability to go forward in the world. Yes it may be tough, well it can be. But in general if you have the drive to do what you want you can get it done.

OK some clients may not like you, some may choose you, but to be honest people do business with people because they are good at their job.

So aim for your ambition and don't let ignorance get in your way.

[Ms Grace]

Hi, from one Grace to another....

Fear is very common for a lot of people at the start of their transition. The fear comes from imagining all sorts of possibilities that you don't know how to deal with, not yet anyway.

The thing to keep in mind is that transition is a process that may take you many, many, many months. For some people it can take a couple of years or more. It's up to you really, you don't have to come out until you feel ready. You don't have to deal with work until you are ready. You don't have to go full time  until you know it is the right time. You don't have to do anything until you feel ready. Take things one step at a time and you'll be fine.

Talk through things with the counsellor and try not to get ahead of yourself or let fearful scenarios get the better of you.

[Life-as-Grace]

Thank you ladies:)

I called the gender identity center today on my lunch break and made an "intake session". I'm really nervous because its all the way in Denver and its a complete new experience for me. I will also be going alone, it would be nice to have someone for support. But, i know it has to be done to finally put things into perspective.