Things that surprised you after transition?

[PurpleWolf]

Is there something (from gaining or losing male-privilege to lifted mental state) you weren't aware of before transitioning? Did something surprise you?

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I don't think I can really answer that myself since I'm pre-everything (though I socially transitioned at 13). Been living as a guy since... Nothing comes to my mind at this point.

What about you guys?
 

[Elis]

I think the main thing is that T isn't a magical cure all. We're bombarded with trans men on social media who seem immediately happy and fulfilled once starting T. And who seem to pass within a short space of time. This isn't a realistic outcome for the majority.

Once starting T I realised my anxiety and depression were seperate issues from me being trans that I had to work on and still struggle with. As well as general body image issues. I didn't start looking male until 8 months on T and still don't look how I'd like to look ideally.

This vid might be worth a watch

Although I never expected to feel so 'right' within my body once starting T. The few times I've had to go off it made me quickly realise I need T otherwise I just feel bad and off. It takes the edge off my anxiety/depression at least. And it's very self affirming that this proves that being trans is biological and not mental

[Kylo]

I was one of the people who started T and found it 1000 x better than any anti-depressant or mood stabilizer I have ever been on. Not that I care for that kind of medication since it didn't work on me at all and was a money sink. But T definitely did help and I was extremely skeptical about it both helping me mentally and masculinizing me physically, since it can't be denied that I've always had quite a feminine face, hands, etc.

In short, was surprised at how good T actually has been for me in the anxiety and depression department. I am not anxious or depressed any more at all. Just impatient.

The other thing that surprises me is how little people actually care about the fact I am trans. I rarely mention it and don't wave it like a badge or label or prefix in front of people and they treat me exactly as they did before. In fact people have been amazingly open and accepting, all things considered. Even the people who disagree ideologically with the need for surgical transition generally do not get up in my face with any of that.