I just re-read some of my earliest posts on this forum, and I realized how far I've come in just 6 months. I started off terrified, expecting the worst, and yet I've had nothing but pleasant surprise after pleasant surprise. Not sure how long my good luck will keep up, but I figure it's worth chronicling, for myself if for no one else.
So far, my family and friends have been awesome. I've had some concerned reactions, but no rejections as of yet. Even my relatives who aren't thrilled about me transitioning have been using my preferred name, at least to my face. I've gotten plugged in to my local FTM community, and the guys have been terrific. Supportive, friendly, and accepting. I now volunteer with one of my local organizations. My therapist has been amazing. She has so much knowledge about the medical, legal, and social ins and outs of transitioning. She also taught me how to play beer pong and flip cup. (Not in a bar. In her office. I wanted to know.)
I came out on FB (and therefore to almost everyone I know) on 10/14/17, and got a wonderful reaction. Dozens of people pledged their support, and no one gave me ****. I am now full time. On the 29th I'll go to my first formal occasion presenting as a guy. Sadly, it's a funeral, but it's a landmark nonetheless. Had to go out and get some respectable male clothing, since all I had were t-shirts and jeans.
I honestly don't think I've ever been happier in my life. I still don't pass well, but I no longer hate my body so much now that I'm no longer apologizing for standing, walking, and carrying myself like a man.
The only disappointments have been in the realm of how long I have to wait to get medical interventions. The endocrinologist scheduled my first appointment 6 months out, and the plastic surgeon wants me to wait a year or so until my weight stabilizes before doing top surgery. (I had weight loss surgery over the summer, and have been dropping pounds like they're going out of style.) I suppose the time's going to pass eventually, but it's frustrating to have to wait. I suppose I should just thank my lucky stars that transgender medicine is covered by Medicare, which is my insurance.
Two friends of mine offered to help pay for my legal name and gender marker change, since I'm on disability and the expense would be difficult for me to cover.
I'm actually a pessimist by nature, and I keep waiting for my lucky streak to end and for the **** to hit the fan. Lord knows, I've had my share of horrendous luck in the past. Maybe the Fates finally decided that I was due for a hot streak. Either way, I'll take it.