I'm 34 and a Perth (Western Australia) local. The aussie sites seem a bit quiet so I figured why not jump in here as well.
To set the scene, I'm just starting out in my FTM transition after basically a lifetime of trying to 'fake it till you make it' with the female gender with uninspiring results and while I'm not hesitant about the process to come, I'm still finding my feet before taking the plunge. I've spent the past few months lurking around a few forums and reading about the journeys of others. It has been very empowering and has confirmed to me why I've felt all my life as if things aren't quite right, why I was so horrified with puberty and all that brought with it, why I disliked wearing skirts and dresses and generally dressing like a girl and zero interest in tranditionally female toys like barbies, why depression has been a more or less constant presence high school, why I wanted to hide my boobs and abhore bra shopping, and why my relationships have been few and far between, unfulfilling, and rarely more than a few months in duration. Could list a thousand other reasons but I'd say you know them all, either from my point of view or the flip side.
Currently, I can't pass to save my life, boobs too big and features far too feminine. However, I've dipped my foot in the water (to continue my watery metaphors) and got an undercut and tie the rest of my hair into a bun. Never felt anything so liberating. And to my delight it was gay guys and male friends who complimented me the most on my new 'look'. Considering I still like guys and I doubt that will change even with transition, it bodes well for the future
Also bought some men's clothing and am enjoying the positive feelings this has brought. I literally laughed out loud the first time I tried on a men's shirt. The buttons felt backwards
Binders here we come, let's see what you can do.
So, on a brighter note, this is my first foray into self acceptance and I'm excited for the first time in.. forever.
