Hi Everyone: Learning to Know Myself

[Cassi1]

Hi, I'm Cassione, or Cassi for short. I'm 51, married, and live in an area that rhymes with the Bible Belt, and I've been quietly questioning my gender and sexuality for most of my life.

I've realized recently that the thoughts and dreams I've had about being female feel deeper than I admitted to myself before... something that keeps coming back and makes me emotional.

I've started taking small, subtle steps: growing out my hair, exploring more feminine products, thinking about names, and now I want to connect with others who understand ad hopefully can be supportive.

I'm uncomfortable about this, and a little nervous, but I really want to learn from people who've had more experience. I've read it's not too late, but... kinda seems... well, if it's not too late, I don't want to lose time.

Thank you for letting me be here. 💜

Cassi

[Lori Dee]

Hello Cassi,

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

Thank you for that wonderful introduction.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and share your thoughts and comments. No matter who you are, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

I think if you read through our members' stories, you will find that we all started similarly. Our journeys follow a similar path, but each of us has our own unique twist to it. This comes from our own perspective, situation, and goals.

If you haven't already, I would suggest seeing a therapist with experience in gender identities. They can help you understand what you are going through and provide face-to-face support if times get tough. It is so much more helpful than people understand.

When you click on the HOME button, you will see a page listing all of the various sub-forums by category and topic. Each sub-forum has a description of what that forum is about, as well as any guidelines for posting.

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.

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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

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@Cassi1
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

[KathyLauren]

Hi, Cassi.  Welcome!

Everyone here understands the nervousness.  Most of us have been there.  It is definitely not too late: I started at 62.  I am 70 now.  There are lots of us late bloomers.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.  I would strongly recommend talking to a therapist who is qualified in gender issues.  I know that is a big step, but most people find it is very worthwhile.  Talking to a professional can help you to focus your goals and to decide how to go about achieving them.

[Pema]

Hi, Cassi. Welcome to Susan's Place. Thank you for sharing your introduction.

You've definitely come to a place where others will understand and support you. Many of us will tell you that it's not too late at 51. I'm 64, and I just came out to myself this year. I came out to my mother last week. Losing time is another matter entirely. None of us knows how long we have, so Now is all there ever is. It sounds to me like you're recognizing that, too.

I strongly support Lori's recommendation of pursuing gender therapy. I had my first session today, and I think it will be extremely valuable.

What you're feeling is absolutely reasonable, and there are many, many people who share some version of your feelings.

Welcome home to your true self.

With love,
Pema

[Sarah B]

Hi Cassi

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.

Sharing something so personal takes courage and I admire your openness.  Many of us recognise that quiet pull you describe, the feeling that keeps returning no matter how much we try to set it aside.  Speaking your truth out loud is a powerful step toward understanding yourself.

You have already begun exploring through longer hair, new products and name ideas, which are gentle ways to see what feels real.  There is no deadline on self‑discovery.  Plenty of people start this journey well into their fifties or beyond and still find joy and fulfilment. So as others have already said, "It's never too late to achieve your dreams."  The important thing is listening to your feelings and moving at a pace that feels safe.  So go for it. 

Connecting with supportive voices can ease the nerves you feel.  You might look for online forums, local peer groups or even a therapist who specialises in gender issues and practices informed consent if that appeals to you.  A Journal can help organise thoughts and small goals such as trying different clothing at home or practising a chosen name with trusted friends can certainly build confidence.

Please know you are not alone.  Ask any questions, share victories or concerns and we will do our best to help.  Your feelings are valid and you deserve the space to explore them without rush or judgement.  I am glad you are here and I look forward to getting to know you more.

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.

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.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@Cassi1

[Northern Star Girl]

  @Cassi1
Dear Cassi:
You definitely came to the right place to share with our other members regarding your transition journey..
...and you being uncomfortable about talking about your journey, and a little nervous is absolutely NORMAL ...
 I agree with your statement in your first Introduction posting:
              "I really want to learn from people who've had more experience.
                I've read it's not too late, but... kinda seems... well, if it's
                not too late, I don't want to lose time."

You are very WELCOME here... very glad to have you as member of Susan's Place and the Forum...
                ...and it is NOT too late to start your Journey.

I realize that as one of our newer members that you may find that the Forum can be difficult and
confusing to be able to navigate around and utilize the features here.
If you have any questions, need assistance, or become frustrated, PLEASE contact me or any
member of the Moderator staff. you can always contact me via my Direct Private Email  alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
Because you have not yet achieved the 15 post threshold you won't yet be able to send Direct Forum
Private Messages or upload an Avatar/Profile photo yet.


Once again, it's not too late and you are NOT alone here on Susan's Place and the Forum.

                                    ❤️❤️❤️

Warmest Regards, and many HUGS,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
    The Forum Administrator

Any questions or requests for assistance can be referred to me and/or any
Forum Moderator Staff Member listed below:
    (To send a Forum Private Message click any of the names listed)

          FORUM Moderator Team 
                              @Devlyn                     
                              @LoriDee                       
                              @Sarah B
                              @Jessica_Rose
                              @Mariah

            The FORUM Administrator
                              @Northern Star Girl [Danielle]
                                          E-Mail: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

[ChrissyRyan]

Hi!


     Welcome Cassi!



Chrissy

[Maid Marion]

Hi Cassi!

It may help to know that gender and sexuality are often independent of each other.  If you know one you don't really know the other!

Marion

[Lilis]

Thank you for letting me be here. 💜

Hi Cassione,

Welcome to Susan's Place! 💓


~ Lilis 🌷