Just an introduction

[Alyssa2U]

Hello everyone.
i'm Alyssa, in my later 40's and have joined this site after searching for information about starting HRT.
I supposed I could go into my history with being a transgender woman but lots of you have the same or very similar experiences so I would just like to summarize by stating its been a life long issue and for me one that I was made to, at least FELT that I was made to shove deep down into my soul and keep it there. Its been a nightmare of bad relationships with women who knew even more than I admitted what I truly am, unfulfilling relationships with men who don't want to get deeply involved, family and my hometown community but I am still alive and kicking it and have over the past ten years allowed myself to break away from how I feel others want me to be. I'm so tired of it , so very tired of living in a paradigm that doesn't belong to me and I just want to be happy. So here I am!
Just want to say thanks for the site...I am optimistic about it.

[Janes Groove]

Welcome to the site  Alyssa. 
Hiding is very tiresome.  When we don't have to hide anymore we can spend all that time and energy on other things.

[Northern Star Girl]

Hello everyone.
i'm Alyssa, in my later 40's and have joined this site after searching for information about starting HRT.
I supposed I could go into my history with being a transgender woman but lots of you have the same or very similar experiences so I would just like to summarize by stating its been a life long issue and for me one that I was made to, at least FELT that I was made to shove deep down into my soul and keep it there. Its been a nightmare of bad relationships with women who knew even more than I admitted what I truly am, unfulfilling relationships with men who don't want to get deeply involved, family and my hometown community but I am still alive and kicking it and have over the past ten years allowed myself to break away from how I feel others want me to be. I'm so tired of it , so very tired of living in a paradigm that doesn't belong to me and I just want to be happy. So here I am!
Just want to say thanks for the site...I am optimistic about it.

@Alyssa2U
Dear Alyssa:
    I see that you just signed up as a brand new member of Susan's Place and that this is your very first posting and that you have made several other postings just recently and are involving yourself in the Forums.

    I am most pleased that you had decided to join Susan's Place and thank you for writing and telling us about yourself here on the Introductions Forum,

    By now you know that this is the right place for you to be to find out what others may have to say that may have been in your circumstances and with your questions and concerns.
    There are a lot of members here that will be able to identify with your situation as you continue to feel free to share it.

    Please allow me to warmly WELCOME you to Susan's Place. 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.

    As you are certainly aware you can share with others and involve yourself with some give and take with other like-minded members.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....
     ***It's a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new friends here. 

    Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace.
I have included information about the site that will help you navigate around and best utilize the features here.   
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that all new members should be familiar with:

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)	Cautionary Note
Reputation rules	News posting & quoting guidelines	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy	Membership Agreement

[V M]

Hi Alyssa 

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

Hugs

V M

[ChrissyRyan]

Welcome Alyssa! 


Chrissy

[MarshaJoy825]

Greetings Alyssa,
     It is so good to read your introduction. Wow. You have been through a lot, but so have many people here. I do hope that you will find information, help, encouragement, and friendship here.  Hugs, Marsha

[Susan R]

Hello Alyssa, I can relate to many of the ups and downs you've experienced during your journey.  My story is similar.  Its been so hard avoiding the difficulties that come with inner conflicts and incompatible relationships over the years.  Nothing feels right when you can't be yourself.  I hope you find the love, joy and stability you deserve in your life. I wish you the best on your journey.

Susan R🌷

[FridayJones]

hi Alyssa 
I'm so glad you've got to this point, it took me 42 years of repressing, wanting, being hurt by my situation, and slowly losing hope of ever changing anything. so when I see someone get to a point of saying what do *I* need, and how can I make that happen, it makes me happy. I'm new here too, so welcome from a fellow newbie   

I'm now post op, having made a binary transition to female, and so have experience with hrt (cross sex and cross species) electrolysis, laser, speech therapy, surgery, legal changes, mental and emotional evolution, and practicalities of transition, so always feel welcome to ask.  (some of my work days are very long, there can be delays) x

[femchick67]

hi im 51 im 16 years post op male- female loving life nowadays being me accepted by society which i know can be hard looking to make friends and to help out with any advice needed pre op or post op most importantly make friends i live in UK work full time as community Carer love my job but can be really stressful at times a lot of responsibility .

[NatalieRene]

Hi Alyssa

Welcome.

The best way to start HRT is to go through a therapist and sort through your feelings. Although from what I have heard recently you can find clinics here and there that work under enformed consent.

Good luck and I hope you feel safe here. This is a fun group. 

*offers cookies*

[KimOct]

Hi Alyssa and welcome,  Glad you found this place, I am new but have been on other trans group sites in the past.

It sounds like it has been a long journey for you to get here.  Mine was about 10 years longer but I am glad I finally made it.  As was mentioned informed consent is an option regarding HRT however I highly recommend finding a therapist that you are comfortable with.  If the first one doesn't seem like a fit then find a different one.

While transitioning is a great thing and I recommend it for people that believe it is right for them it is also a difficult thing to do for many of us.  Difficult and rewarding.  There are most likely going to be times along this journey that are different than you thought they would be and some of those can be challenging.

Things like.... do I pass?  what do people think? am I going to be accepted?  My body and/or face don't look the way I want them to.  On and on.  Having a good therapist can help you sort these types of things out.  I am sure that some people don't need a therapist but I think what is more common is that people go to one therapist and don't have a good experience and say forget this and move on.  Just like a significant other in your life you have to find the right therapist for YOU.

I hope you find support, friends and good advice here.