Hi! I’m Natalya

[Natalya]

I'm Russian transgender.  I'm happy married with woman. We are moved to US 2 and half years ago from Russia and looking for asylum here. I'll not write long story about violence and mockery that I experienced in Russia as transgender, it's hurt me to talk about. But anyway we live in US now, in Philadelphia, PA. About year ago I started HRT, and I feel much better after that, but I got new troubles. As I learned later Pennsylvania is not good place for transgenders, I felt it after I got first changes, here hate transgenders the same in Russia, I got many troubles with job, American don't take me because my English is not fluent, maybe because I have male documents. I must work for Russian, but they are hate transgenders the same in Russia. Now my wife and I work as truck drivers for long distance, it very hard job, and with low salary. We drive around all America, sometimes drive non stop for 2-3 days and don't sleep, vising home once per 2 month, and now we found our health don't allow work here anymore. Some weeks ago we decided move to California, I been there last summer and found it very friendly for TG. I'll will happy to find any California girls here, I need any advice and recommeuundations about  housing, work, medicine. We both are 40+, kind, sympathetic and cheerful girls, we always open to new friends. Also I hope find answers for my questions about transition.

[V M]

Hi Natalya 

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

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V M

[Natalya]

Hi Natalya 

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

Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that we offer to all new members to help them along
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Thanks

[Jessica]

Hi Natalya!  Yes California is a fairly transgender accepting state.  I hope you find friends in your area.

You will find that information on transition is flowing freely on the site.  Join in on a interesting topic and meet some friends.

Smiles, Jessica

[Idaliaylix]

Greetings, Natalya.     I'm new here myself.  I like your coat; it looks great on you!

First of all, I'm so sorry to hear that you had such terrible experiences in Russia--I know the climate is awful there at this time.     I hope you have someone to work through it with eventually (maybe a trusted therapist, or your wife?); that's a painful history to be carrying all on your own.

It sounds like your life was extremely demanding and strenuous for a while.  It's good you're going to be in a better location now.  If I'm interpreting correctly it seems like the ID documents are your main stumbling block; if you can get permanent asylum and eventually get those changed, that'll be an immense relief as nobody will be able to know your status unless you choose to tell them.  I can't imagine being bureaucratically trapped like that, I'm sure that's frustrating.

Best wishes with everything!  If you have any specific questions, there are lots of people who are willing to answer them here.  I just created an account (though I've lurked a little off and on for years) and it's almost a little overwhelming how active these forums are and how much info there is.

[Natalya]

it seems like the ID documents

I have employment authorization and SSN, but I have not any status, I waiting for asylum interview, it must be on this this March or April, but new immigration laws changed all and maybe I must wait for years. Anyway, as I read California laws allow to change my name now, before I get any immigration status.

We try to save money and maybe we'll move on first days of summer. But now we must decide where to go, what is the city. I like SF Bay Area, but don't sure we can pay expensive rent there. I need talk with somebody about.

Also very important medical services for me, I have not medical insurance and maybe will not have long of time, now I visiting doctors in Mazzoni center in Philadelphia, and get medication with discount. I think I can not pay full cost for medical services and hormones now.

Also I have much more questions....

[Natalya]

You will find that information on transition is flowing freely on the site.  Join in on a interesting topic and meet some friends.

Smiles, Jessica

Thank you!