OMG, I am in tears.

[Teresa]

I am 61 and have been fighting my true self since I was a young boy. I was raised in a small conservative town, and things like transgender, or dysphoria did not exist.
Reading some of the introductions here have been incredibly touching and I am so thankful people are sharing themselves. It makes my confusion and fear much easier to face.
I am at the start of my journey that I have been taking my whole life. I have finally accepted I need to face my true self.
Thank you from my soul to make this site possible.

[Lori Dee]

Hello Teresa,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for your introduction.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and share your thoughts and comments. Our members come from all over the world and have many experiences. No matter who you are, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

As you have probably read here, the Number One Step in this journey is to seek out a therapist or psychologist experienced in gender identities. It is so important to have an ally who understands what you are going through and can help you navigate the obstacles.

Clicking the HOME button will take you to a page where you can see the various sub-forums. Feel free to comment and share your experiences too.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL-AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets. Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

I will add some links here that are important for new members. Pay special attention to the links in RED. When you reach 15 posts, you will be able to send and reply to private messages and add an avatar to your profile.

Until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at  LoriDee605@outlook.com

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff

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)
• News posting & quoting guidelines
• Photo, avatars, & signature images
• Site Policies and stuff to remember
• Cautionary Note
• Membership Agreement

@Teresa
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

[KathyLauren]

Welcome, Teresa! 

You are the same age as I was when I first registered, nine years ago.  I couldn't believe that I was among people like me, with similar experiences and feelings.  I benefited a lot from talking about things here, and I am sure you will too.

[tgirlamg]

Welcome Aboard Teresa!

Fear not sister and let go of any confusion... Your life can and will be whatever you choose it to be... We can spend so long hiding ourself away but, there comes a time when hiding is no longer the option for us... move forward with a sense of hope because there is much to be hopeful about...build the life you want and need... amazing and beautiful discoveries await you!

Onward Brave Sister!

Ashley 💕

[ChrissyRyan]

Welcome Teresa!

Chrissy

[Sephirah]

It's never too late to emerge from the cocoon, hon. It's been my experience, through all the wonderful people here, that you can live more life in one year being true to yourself than a decade living a lie. So in that respect, you have a lot of life to live!

Welcome to the site. <3

[Paulie]

Hi Teresa,

Welcome to Susan's.

Pauli.

[Sarah B]

Hello Teresa

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

You said:

I am 61 and have been fighting my true self since I was a young boy. I was raised in a small conservative town, and things like transgender, or dysphoria did not exist.

Well, I had the thoughts of wanting to be a female for a long time as well and as you have gathered you are not alone in this.  In addition those two words like 'transgender' and 'dysphoria' were not around either, in my time.

Reading some of the introductions here have been incredibly touching and I am so thankful people are sharing themselves. It makes my confusion and fear much easier to face.

It's good to hear that you find the stories of other members 'touching' at least I know today that there are thousands of stories and articles, that one can read and understand why we have or had those thoughts.  I never had any information when I changed my life around, except for one article.

Susan's is here to alleviate any confusion and fear that you have.  I will reiterate what has been said by Lori;  One needs to seek a therapist, whether it is a psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor who specialises in gender therapy and also practices 'informed consent'.  They will help you no end.

I am at the start of my journey that I have been taking my whole life. I have finally accepted I need to face my true self.
Thank you from my soul to make this site possible.

As they say; "a journey begins with but a single step", well paraphrased, to say the least.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Take care and I wish you all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Teresa

[davina61]

Welcome, I was 61 and 2/3rds when I found this site. Not looked back since.

[Gina P]

Welcome Teresa,
  It can be a huge relief to find out we are not alone in this journey. Though each of us have unique stories much is the same. I started at 60 and now 2+ years latter have had bottom surgery and some ffs as well as a lot of voice lessons. I'm still learning about myself and growing.
I wish you all the best and hope to follow your trek.
Hugs Gina

[sam-1311]

Hi Teresa,

I'm new here and only slightly younger than you at 57.

How are you doing now?

Samantha

[Teresa]

Hi Teresa,

I'm new here and only slightly younger than you at 57.

How are you doing now?

Samantha

To be completely honest, I have good days and rough days. I have a lot to learn, and a lot to accept. I think groups like this (and I hope to find some local face to face groups) are amazing support, if only to know you are not alone.

[ChrissyRyan]

I hope you have a very nice day Teresa.

Chrissy

[sam-1311]

To be completely honest, I have good days and rough days. I have a lot to learn, and a lot to accept. I think groups like this (and I hope to find some local face to face groups) are amazing support, if only to know you are not alone.

Yeah, those doubts and the merest glance or word can really throw us off kilter. Sometimes we misinterpret things because we're so anxious. I had a large wobble yesterday and into today until I went to my local supermarket and was gendered correctly as Miss for the first time. "Miss" is pushing it a bit, I'm 57 . It was lovely and has given me confidence and a lift.

I took 2 years before I finally "ripped the bandaid off" and came out to the world on 5-Jan-2025. All those doubts and the programming to conform to gender norms is hard to get rid of. 

If you haven't already, can you start working with a gender-affirming counsellor. My number one recommendation.

Finding local groups is also a great idea. Even if you go along as a man, it's good to talk and be with your sisters.

Happy to chat x

[Teresa]

I have been to two sessions with a gender counsellor and it does help. I am at the very early stages of accepting who I have always been. Growing up in a very conservative small town definitely left some scars and blind spots. This year looks to be amazing though.