Hi everyone

[AshleyW]

Hi beautiful people!
I'm Ashley, a still very much in the closet trans girl (m2f) from Canada. Just thought I'd introduce myself. I can't wait to get to know you all

[Kendra]

Hello Ashley, and welcome! 

I am MTF in the Seattle area.  I was hesitant and had fears which I now realize were mostly internal.  And so I went and pretty much trampled my closet.  I am not full time but will be pretty soon.  Much of this is thanks to great friends and people on Susan's - being able to see what others have experienced has made my own decisions so much easier. 

We always provide some information to new members, to help you navigate and understand the unique aspects of this site.  I'll include it here for you.

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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

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
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Ashley, great to see you here!

Kendra

[Jacqueline]

Hi Ashley,

Another welcome to the site. Good to have you here. I was pretty deep in the closet myself a few years ago. I'm more east coast than Kendra. We have a pretty large membership of all ages, geographies, experience and place on the trans spectrum.

Have you started talking to a therapist? I would highly suggest it. It can help you figure out what transgender means to you; know how far in the closet you are; schedule a way to escape it and help practice with someone how to go about it.
Lots of other good aspects too.

Welcome again. Hope you have a look around and feel like family. Ask questions, jump into fun things or not so fun topics. Involvement is helpful.

Take care.

With warmth,

Jacqui

[Raell]

Hi!

Well, you did the hardest part..realizing what you are.
I didn't realize I'm a nonbinary partial transmale until 2013, and I'm 64 years old!

[V M]

Hi Ashley 

Welcome to Susan's Place    Glad to have you here, join on in the fun

Hugs

V M

[AshleyW]

Thanks for the warm welcome!
I just got a referral to a therapist, should hear from them in a couple weeks. I still present as fully masc (nobody outside of online communities like this know that I'm trans). I'm planning to come out within the next year, whether my family will support me or not, I've realized that I need to do this for myself.

[Laurie]

Hi Ashley

  I'm Laurie, MtF. Hi and welcome to Susan's Place. Come on in. Look Ashley I'm not going to holds this door open all night It's cold out there and I haven't got my coat on. So hurry up girl and get yourself in here. Come on in where it warm and where you can make friends, ((Hug)) There girl isn't that better? Here have a seat. Coffee? Cream? Sugar?
One limp or two? I drink mine black because like you I have taken too many lump in my life and I've decided to stop beating myself up over my gender issues. It's far easier to give in and start accepting them. Oh no, it's not ease, not easy at all. I sad easier.  Beside I've also found I don't have to do it alone. I've found lots of help here at Susan's Place. Whether it's just a bit of support to prop me up when I'm having a case of nerves over something I  need to do or I need a more in depth talk with a friend because I'm having a pretty difficult time, I've found that support and help here at Susan's.
  No Susan's and it's denizens don't have all the answers. That's what we have professionals for. It's the doctors, endocrinologists, psychologists, gender therapists and others we go to that help us when we are in need of their services. But Susan's Place does offer us a lot and high in what they offer is friendship. I've made a good number of friends here. I hope you can too.

  Welcome again Ashley. I hope you can find what you seek and need here along with support and friends.

Hugs,
   Laurie

[Kendra]

> I just got a referral to a therapist, should hear from them in a couple weeks

Great decision on arranging for a therapist.  I'll admit I waited much longer than I should have, but once I started I realized this is sooo worth it.  You're on a roll!

Kendra 

[Jailyn]

Thanks for the warm welcome!
I just got a referral to a therapist, should hear from them in a couple weeks. I still present as fully masc (nobody outside of online communities like this know that I'm trans). I'm planning to come out within the next year, whether my family will support me or not, I've realized that I need to do this for myself.

YES!!!!! Ashley yes you have to do it for you!!!!! I am 37 myself and I was closeted for many years and I came to that same realization that I have to do this for me. My family is wishy washy on supporting me. They kind of think me crazy, but I know they will come around. If my friends and co-workers can accept me and the changes I am making then so can my family. This is for your happiness and fulfillment not anyone else's. This is a great place for support and help. So welcome!!!!