Hello. My name is Tristen. I am 30 (almost 31) and I live in Michigan. I have a master's in behavior analysis and I supervise at-home ABA therapy for children and adolescents with autism. I have a boyfriend, with whom I live, and two dogs, and he has two sons that I help take care of.
I am trans. I identify as female, and use the terms trans, trans woman, transsexual, and transgender. I started my transition (hormones and legal stuff) in my early 20s. I have been on hormones for a long time. I have had one surgery (ta-tas) and plan to have SRS within the next couple of years, finances permitting. I had to put SRS on hold for quite a while so that I could finish school and start my career. I am legally female and for the most part pass completely in my day-to-day life.
I live out-and-proud in almost all circumstances except in my work since my medical history is not something I discuss with consumers. My co-workers know I am trans, though, and I do not make any effort to disguise who I am with those I trust. I have a relatively close relationship with my family. I have a father who completely supports me, a twin brother, and a younger sister. They all respect my decisions to transition and, except for some rocky stuff years ago, they have been wonderful supports. I also have a new nephew who I don't spend enough time with.
I am bisexual and have dated people from all over the spectrum/field of sexuality and gender. I have only had two major relationships in my life, one with my ex-girlfriend and one with my current boyfriend.
Philosophically, I consider myself to be a radical behaviorist, and I have written rather extensively on behavioral and environmental psychological perspectives on gender and sexuality. I won't discuss those views here, however, as I have met strong and unsolicited aggression from many people in the LGBT community in response to my views on the matter. Those topics aside, I am happy to discuss psychology and behavior analysis with anyone who is interested. I may become somewhat of a bore, though, since I have a hard time shutting up about it sometimes.
My personal hobbies include video games with my boyfriend, writing, playing the violin, watching tv and movies, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. I don't go out a whole lot, although I do have a large group of friends in the LGBT, goth, music, academic, service industry, and public advocacy scenes in my community. For the most part, I just like to hang out with my boyfriend and our dogs and get geeky about stuff.
I am not particularly "girly" in my style of dress, demeanor, or interests, although I do wish I was a little moreso. I get shy sometimes about being to femme because I feel like it draws too much attention to the fact that I am trans to those who know. It probably has a lot to do with my general anxiety disorder, and fear of failure or ridicule. When it comes to my transition, I mostly just ate the pills and let them do the work for me. Getting into 2018 I hope to get a little more involved in management of my appearance and physical fitness. Hoping it helps me feel a little more comfortable in my skin.
I came to this site because I have questions from time to time regarding the process for receiving SRS and recommendations for surgeons, and because I am looking for some advice and support from fellow trans women in certain areas of my life. That's really all there is to say about me for now. If you would like to know more please don't hesitate to ask.
Best, T
