Hi, all.
After unknown years of not realizing I was possibly exploring my gender identity, five from learning about HRT and what it means to be transgender, I am now finally transitioning. For many years, I'd felt that parts of me could stand to have a more feminine look and HRT seemed to be the best way to do it once I found out about it on a random Google search one day. At first, those five years ago, I had considerable trepidation about actually doing it. Now that I'm actively doing it, my only regret is not having started sooner. Not to mention, I turned 50 this year, and I felt that was as much impetus as ever to start. I also have a great bunch of friends, of those I've come out to, all of them have been super supportive. At least a couple of cis girl allies are willing to go so far as to materially help me when I start to really blossom, e.g. look for bras.
However, I'm still closeted as it's still very early on in my transition. That said, I'm still presenting as my AMAB self for the immediately-foreseeable future. I'd like a few more changes to take place before I actively consider coming out and going through the wringer of changing things at a legal level. That and I'm still looking at figuring out how to deal with people who aren't so supportive (and I'm nearly 100% sure I have a few who are like this, sadly).
All that said, I can say I feel more at home in my skin, space and spirit than I've ever felt. I know there's a lot to come and possibly stuff that can get me down, even if what gets me down doesn't actually exist. I hope I can benefit from everyone here. I also have a local gender health center here in the greater Sacramento area, which has been an indispensable asset. In fact, it helped me get the gears going for getting insurance and a doctor. Once those were in place, it was easy to get started.
Anyway, pleased to meet you all and I hope to hear from you folks soon!
--Holly.
