Thinking of transitioning

[JennaA316]

Hello all, my name is Jenna, I am on an LGBTQ journey. I am identified as a queer genderfluid. However, I think I am more of transgender than genderfluid. During my childhood, I enjoyed wearing girly clothes until my teen years, and I stopped wearing them secretly. But I felt even more happy once I wore my sister's skirt, shirt, black pantyhose, and high heels. However, during my adult years, I realized that I was still feminine and even prayed to God several times that I wanted to be a girl. So I asked God to turn me into a girl the next day but that did not happen. So, I decided to get on here and research, ask questions, and get feedback, and advice from amazing people like you. So am I transgender? Trans Femme? Genderfluid? I even took a transgender test and it says I am. I took a gay test and it says I'm gay. If I decided I wanted to proceed with transitioning into a female, should I go to my regular doctor or find a doctor who supports LGBTQ+? What are the pros and cons of taking HRT and T-Blockers? I researched the effects of HRT before and I was amazed at how estrogen can make a huge difference in changes. But one concern I have was if I took HRT, my private part would not be able to function. I have seen other transgender women who decided to keep their male private parts and can hold an erection while other transgender women cannot. I have been wondering how this is possible when finding out that estrogen causes male private part not to function anymore. I'm curious to know more about this. I would love to hear more recommendations from you all. Thank you!

❤Jenna

[LoriDee]

Hello Jenna,

I just replied to your other post. Welcome to Susan's Place.
It is perfectly normal to have so many questions. If you haven't done so yet, you should find a therapist or psychologist that handles gender identities. They can answer many of your questions, and help you decide what path you wish to take. I wouldn't put much faith in internet "tests".

Being transgender has nothing to do with being gay. Transgender is a gender identity (who you see yourself as), and gay or lesbian are sexual preferences. There is a whole spectrum of both. A therapist can help you understand how these may apply to you.

From there, if you wish to pursue HRT, you will need a psychologist to diagnose you with "Gender Dysphoria". Then you see your regular doctor to begin HRT. If you prefer, you can seek a doctor who is experienced in transgender or gender-diverse individuals if that makes you more comfortable. They would be in the best position to advise you about all of the benefits and side effects of hormone therapy.

In the meantime, you can get a lot of information from our members by reading their stories where they relate their experiences (good and bad). Eventually, you might even consider starting your own member blog where you can record your journey and we can share in your experiences.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place.

[JennaA316]

Hello Jenna,

I just replied to your other post. Welcome to Susan's Place.
It is perfectly normal to have so many questions. If you haven't done so yet, you should find a therapist or psychologist that handles gender identities. They can answer many of your questions, and help you decide what path you wish to take. I wouldn't put much faith in internet "tests".

Being transgender has nothing to do with being gay. Transgender is a gender identity (who you see yourself as), and gay or lesbian are sexual preferences. There is a whole spectrum of both. A therapist can help you understand how these may apply to you.

From there, if you wish to pursue HRT, you will need a psychologist to diagnose you with "Gender Dysphoria". Then you see your regular doctor to begin HRT. If you prefer, you can seek a doctor who is experienced in transgender or gender-diverse individuals if that makes you more comfortable. They would be in the best position to advise you about all of the benefits and side effects of hormone therapy.

In the meantime, you can get a lot of information from our members by reading their stories where they relate their experiences (good and bad). Eventually, you might even consider starting your own member blog where you can record your journey and we can share in your experiences.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place.

Thank you for your kind message. It's good to be on here to seek out information. If I get confirmation from my psychologist, I probably would prefer a doctor who supports LGBTQ people. After searching the interwebs, I am well aware of the pros and cons of HRT. But, I still have no answer to one of my questions. If taking HRT for a long time, it will cause my male private parts to function no more *ED*. But, I have seen transgender people who still have functioning private parts. So, does that mean they are taking less HRT and a little bit of testosterone??? I'm just curious about how they are keeping it functioning when they are on full-blown HRT. That's all. Oh, and that's a good idea, I would definitely make a blog on my transition journey. 

Thanks.

Jenna

[ChrissyRyan]

Thank you for your kind message. It's good to be on here to seek out information. If I get confirmation from my psychologist, I probably would prefer a doctor who supports LGBTQ people. After searching the interwebs, I am well aware of the pros and cons of HRT. But, I still have no answer to one of my questions. If taking HRT for a long time, it will cause my male private parts to function no more *ED*. But, I have seen transgender people who still have functioning private parts. So, does that mean they are taking less HRT and a little bit of testosterone??? I'm just curious about how they are keeping it functioning when they are on full-blown HRT. That's all. Oh, and that's a good idea, I would definitely make a blog on my transition journey. 

Thanks.

Jenna

Jenna,

Everyone's outcomes can differ from those of others when they get on medically supervised MTF HRT.  It is quite important to have all of this managed by your medical doctors.

Insofar as how MTF HRT impacts male virility well that is something you should discuss with your physicians.  Just remember, "your mileage may vary." 

However you may receive some anecdotal replies from some who have transitioned.

Some here may not want to talk about the sexuality issues while at the same time they may talk a lot about other important transition issues such as real life experiences, the name change process, surgeries, fashion, passing, obstacles, accomplishments, support groups, and so on.

So, keep returning here and keep asking questions.  You may get some replies from them that could be helpful for you.  You may get answers you were hoping to hear and some you were hoping not to hear about whatever questions you ask.


Chrissy

[LoriDee]

@JennaA316

Hello Jenna,

Your questions are valid and as Chrissy pointed out, your mileage may vary.

From my own personal experience, the first thing to go was "morning wood". Since I am asexual, that was a blessing. Over time, there was shrinkage both of the penis and the testicles. For me, that was also a blessing. I am still able to get an erection, but cannot maintain it. I do have orgasms, but how I get there is a different approach. This is an all-ages website, so I will skip the details.

If you are basing your information on transgender porn, keep in mind that these are actors. Anyone with enough money can get breast implants and claim to be transgender. Without HRT they would remain fully functional "down there" while appearing on camera as something they are not. Just don't believe things you see in the entertainment industry. Entertainment is not necessarily reality.

Your doctor can best advise you of HRT's side effects and what you may expect. Keep asking questions because that is how you learn. Remember that HRT and surgery are options. You decide if it is or it isn't for you.

[ChrissyRyan]

@JennaA316

Hello Jenna,

Your questions are valid and as Chrissy pointed out, your mileage may vary.

From my own personal experience, the first thing to go was "morning wood". Since I am asexual, that was a blessing. Over time, there was shrinkage both of the penis and the testicles. For me, that was also a blessing. I am still able to get an erection, but cannot maintain it. I do have orgasms, but how I get there is a different approach. This is an all-ages website, so I will skip the details.

If you are basing your information on transgender porn, keep in mind that these are actors. Anyone with enough money can get breast implants and claim to be transgender. Without HRT they would remain fully functional "down there" while appearing on camera as something they are not. Just don't believe things you see in the entertainment industry. Entertainment is not necessarily reality.

Your doctor can best advise you of HRT's side effects and what you may expect. Keep asking questions because that is how you learn. Remember that HRT and surgery are options. You decide if it is or it isn't for you.

Lori,

I cannot anyone except a woman getting breast implants.
Why would a man want them?  I guess I am naive!  But I read what you said so I guess some men want to!


Chrissy

[LoriDee]

Chrissy,

Porn actors need to appear a certain way and function in a certain way because that is how they make their living. I do not know a single MtF transgender person who can or would enjoy being the "top". Some may be just getting started with transition and finance it by acting. Maybe the film industry helps with financing the implants, I don't know. Some people will do anything for attention. I don't have any evidence except that what I have seen does not match the reality that I experience.

[Nadine Spirit]

Hi Jenna -

My best of luck to you in figuring out you, which is really what you've got to do. And I certainly mean absolutely no offense whatsoever, but I see so many people's worry about being able to maintain physical function of their genitals as amusing. It is such a complete and total non-concern for me now after 7 years or so on HRT. But I digress.... I have always been an absolute total and completely horny girl. I was horny as a child, as a teen, in my 20s, 30s, 40s, and even though it took lots of focused effort during my initial hormonal transition, I have always been able to perform and complete the ah, act...... 

My opinion is that what is terribly difficult to understand is where one will be mentally after changing their hormones. Many of us are hiding parts of ourselves from others, sure, but also from ourselves. Often changing hormones begins a reorganization of our understanding of our selves. And it is within that new understanding that many find difficulty in performing something that they once saw as such an integral part of themselves.

Good luck!