I'm about halfway out at this point, and to the best of my ability, am presenting full-time as male. As my picture should make clear, I don't remotely pass, which sucks, but it doesn't change the fact that being open about my true self with myself and others feels fantastic. I haven't had a picture of myself that I've liked in decades. I always end up looking miserable and deeply uncomfortable with myself. It usually takes tons and tons of attempts with a camera to get me looking anywhere close to normal. I got the image at left on my third try this morning. I don't look like a cis guy, but I look happy, because I am. Every time I make it an inch more forward in my transition, I feel better. Even my dreams are better now.
I really don't know what the future will bring, and maybe things will get a lot harder. But right now, the benefits of transition absolutely outweigh the drawbacks for me. Just felt like telling people to celebrate.
