Were you "pulled out of the closet" by your changes.

[Alex123]

Hiya All

A genuine question.  I have been on low dose E for 4 1/2 months to combat dysphoria which has as you would expect produced some noticeable ( to me ) physical changes.  My doc is looking to increase the dose as the dysphoria has returned.  Transitioning isn't at the forefront of my chosen path, neither is "coming out" for many reasons.

The crux of the matter:  Are there those that were effectively "pulled out of the closet" and if so I would be interested in their thoughts.  Leaving HRT is not an option, best I have felt in 40 years.

Alex

[Ms Grace]

The main noticeable change will be breast growth. Even so people might not realise that you are transitioning, but they might wonder what the breasts are all about if they notice them. Some of that might depend on how large your breasts become!  For me, people never really noticed; it was more that they noticed my  waxed  legs,  pierced ears , etc.  Not even that outted me!

[JoanneB]

I have been on/off low dose E a few times over the decades as a means to mange my GD. Always stopping when I started to deviate from "The Prime Directive" of wanting to be a 'Normal(ish)' male. This last time some 7 years ago it soon went to full speed ahead as like you low dose needed to morph into higher.

Even at my well antiquated age HRT did bring on physical changes, like an almost to for real B cup. I still live work and present primarily as male. Other factors like being tall, balding since I was 14, and always dressing in baggy clothes thanks to being a former fatty with body image issues beyond the GD issues keep me from reaching 'Male Fail'. There were members of my support group whom eventually reached the point they were only fooling themselves they still passed as a male. But they weren't really trying all that hard to either

[Deborah]

I male fail often in public and rarely am called sir anymore.  My hair is now just about shoulder length and I am not full time for a variety of reasons.  It's not a problem.

In public I enjoy the male fails and at work it hasn't been an issue.  Yes, people notice the changes, particularly the hair, but nobody at all has said anything mean, at least to me.  I have been working in this place since 1997 though and have known some of the people there since the 1980s in the Army.  Also, I work in a military place and have lots of military "macho" credentials.  Maybe all of that that helps in avoiding negative issues.

The bottom line though is that unless you make a concerted effort to hide people will notice things.  Whether they will deduce you are trans is an open question but for most is doubtful. 

If being noticed is going to bother you then be prepared for it.  Otherwise, do like me and enjoy the extra attention without worrying about what anyone thinks.


Sapere Aude