Heya!

[Terra0417]

I was encouraged to post an introduction, so here it goes. My name is Terra and I am a transgender woman who has been transitioning for a little over a year and a half now. I live in the United States within the state of Wisconsin, which I have spent almost all of my life. When I was growing up I always knew something wasn't right, but I learned at an early age that I was supposed to act like a boy and any deviation from that would mean isolation and ridicule. So I buried my unease and confusion and used various outlets, specifically school and video games, to distract myself from how I felt inside.

During middle school the thoughts and feelings I had kept secret for so long began to surface and I finally discovered that I have always been a girl who was stuck within a boy's body. This realization was both a huge relief and a huge disappointment at the same time, because I didn't think I would ever be able to live as a girl in this life. This was also the time where my depression started, and it got much worse when I reached high school, but I managed to keep myself distracted with school and other extracurricular activities. After I graduated, however, these distractions ceased and my depression really flared up. I went to college after high school and did very well, due to being able to once again use school as a distraction from everything. Once I finished college my depression hit back hard, and I lived for another five years in a very dark world.

Eventually I got to the point where I was essentially at the end of what I could endure and decided that I had to transition, because I wasn't going to be around much longer if I didn't. The decision to transition has easily been the best decision I have ever made, despite this also being the hardest thing I have ever done. Not once have I ever regretted my decision no matter how difficult or painful my transition is. I've been very fortunate to have a lot of support from friends and family who I came out to, and have been able to afford a lot of the medical services that have made such a significant positive difference in my life. I'm hoping to be able to provide support and help to others who are struggling or hurting. I still have a long way to go with my transition (especially since all of the waiting you have to do makes time feel like it is crawling along at a snail's pace), and I am both excited and nervous about trying to get through the medical side of my transition. That is my story so far, and I am grateful that this great website exists where I can learn about, meet, and connect with other amazing people like me; as well as learn about other issues and topics within the transgender community. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little if you've read this far.

[V M]

Hi Terra 

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

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

Hugs

V M

[Northern Star Girl]

@Terra0417
Dear Terra:
    I am most pleased that you had decided to join the Susan's Place site.

    I see that our lovely member  @V M   had already welcomed you to Susan's Place.  Please allow me to also welcome you here.
    Thank you for writing your introduction posting.... as you get more involved in exchanging comments on various posts other members will be along to offer their thoughts and comments in response to any of your specific questions and concerns..

    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.

    I also want 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.
   
    There is information and important LINKS that  V M  included in her welcome message to you.   You will find 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