Hello Bethanyz, welcome!
I'm very glad you joined Susan's. I am MTF and have gained insight from members of all ages and along the entire gender spectrum. People here have been super helpful in my transition - providing information I have used to confirm decisions I have made, and the opportunity to talk to others who are facing similar questions or have in the past. Several members transitioned in the early 1970s when I first became aware my gender identity wasn't quite lining up, although I had no clue what it really was back then. I initially thought gender was cast in blue or pink concrete. I couldn't have been more wrong.
You are cis female with an MTF girlfriend and transgender friends, and you have cis-gender friends with transgender children. I call this the "understanding spectrum" - the wide range of ways people (including cis-gender) understand and interact with those of us who are transgender. The transgender community encounters an astonishing amount of prejudice. But we also encounter people who see the positive and embraces us as individuals who have decided to live as our true selves. A high proportion of people I have met in this community are very creative, intelligent and ambitious, and I don't think that's a coincidence.
We always provide the following information to new members. Some aspects of Susan's are quite unique and reflects best practices to keep this all running smoothly. I'll add it here for you.
A Cautionary Note:This is a public forum so please remember when posting that
The Internet Never Forgets, and the various web crawlers and archival sites out there may retain information that you post.
We cannot ensure that any information you share on the site will be protected from public view and/or copying or reproduction. This warning is also listed in the Terms of Service listed below.
If you give out personal information on Susan's you are responsible for any consequence.
I also want to share some links with you. They include helpful information and the rules that govern the site. It is important for your enjoyment of the site to take a moment to go through them
Things that you should read
Bethanyz, I am so glad you are here! By wanting to learn and share your experiences you are part of making the world a better place. I truly believe this - knowledge is power. Thank you for joining.
Kendra
