A New Beginning at 50-Something

[PoppyJune]

Hello everyone,

I'm a new member here, and I'm so grateful to have found this community. For as long as I can remember, going back to my early childhood, I've felt a need to express myself in a more more feminine way, I have a lot to add to that but as this is just an introduction, I'll keep it at that for now. Over the years, I've struggled with this and even purged my women's clothing multiple times. 

I finally shared my truth with my wife two weeks ago, and to my relief, she has been incredibly accepting. We've had hours of conversation and our relationship feels stronger than ever. She's been my biggest supporter and has helped me start this journey. She even took me to Ulta to get a skincare kit and to several other stores for shopping.  One of the most incredible things, at least to me is that she enjoys braiding my hair for me and just talking.  We haven't told anyone else, not the kids or their families and I'm not sure if we will or won't. 

I'm now comfortable wearing some women's clothes around my wife, though I haven't yet tried a dress, skirt, or makeup. I'm excited for those steps but want to take things at a pace that works for both of us.

The best I can tell is that I'm a gender non-conforming cross dresser, that is a little more confused now with the new found freedom.  I've never been able to talk to a single soul about this before, as you can imagine, my head is spinning and trying to grab hold of thoughts that make sense to me.

It's been a long road to get here, and I'm so happy to finally be able to embrace this part of myself. I look forward to learning from all of you and being part of this family. Thank you for welcoming me.

[Lilis]

Hii PoppyJune,


Welcome to Susan's Place! 🩷


~ Lilis 🌷

[Susan]

Hi, PoppyJune,

Welcome! I'm so glad you found your way here and took the courageous step of sharing your story.

What you've described, carrying these feelings since childhood and moving through cycles of acceptance and suppression, is a path many of us here have also followed. Please know those cycles aren't signs of failure or confusion; they're a natural response to navigating something profound without the language, community, or space you needed. You've been doing the best you could, and now you're here. That matters.

Your wife's response sounds beautiful—the long conversations, shopping together, the skincare trip, and her braiding your hair. What a gift to have that kind of love and partnership as you explore. Moving at whatever pace feels right for both of you is perfect. And remember, there's no timeline for decisions about family or friends. Your privacy and comfort come first, always.

Labels can be helpful waypoints, but they don't have to be permanent destinations. "Gender-nonconforming cross-dresser" might feel right for now, or it might evolve as you learn more about yourself. The beautiful thing is that you don't need everything figured out before you start exploring what brings you joy and authenticity. Whether it's a dress, makeup, or simply presenting differently, you're allowed to experiment without requiring permission from anyone, including yourself.

This community is full of people who understand both the excitement and the overwhelming nature of this journey. You'll find practical advice about everything from clothing and skincare to navigating relationships and first public outings. If your wife ever wants to connect with other partners who've walked this path, she's absolutely welcome here too. Supporters are just as much a part of our community.

Take all the time you need to settle in. Share what feels comfortable, ask whatever questions come up, and know that you're genuinely among friends who see you and celebrate your courage in being here.

Welcome home!
Susan

[Lori Dee]

Hello PoppyJune,

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 love hearing how accepting your wife has been with this, and that your relationship seems to have deepened because of this. That is TRUE LOVE, and honesty strengthens that bond. Hold on tight to it because it is priceless.

If she is interested, your wife is welcome to join us as well. We have a special forum for Significant Others that she may enjoy. She is welcome to add her comments and experiences as well.

This website is HUGE. With a wealth of information and real-life experiences from people who share the same experiences as you.

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.

I will add links below that are important for new and returning members. Pay special attention to the links in RED.

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

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• Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By
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@PoppyJune
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

[Pema]

Hi, PoppyJune, and welcome.

I'm very (very) happy to hear that your wife has been so supportive. That is amazing and wonderful for you, for her, and for the world.

Please don't be shy about sharing your own experiences with us. We're here to learn from you, too.

[Sarah B]

Hi PoppyJune

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.

"I'm a new member here and I'm so grateful to have found this community.  For as long as I can remember, going back to my early childhood, I've felt a need to express myself in a more more feminine way, I have a lot to add to that but as this is just an introduction, I will keep it at that for now.  Over the years, I have struggled with this and even purged my women's clothing multiple times."

It's great that you are here.  Many of us have similar early memories.  I can remember mine starting around age four or five, so you are definitely not alone.  Sharing this openly takes strength.  Trying to suppress these feelings never works in the long run and these feelings will only come back much stronger than before.  As you know telling your wife has brought you the relief you need and the way forward is yours for the taking.

"I finally shared my truth with my wife two weeks ago and to my relief, she has been incredibly accepting.  We've had hours of conversation and our relationship feels stronger than ever.  She's been my biggest supporter and has helped me start this journey.  She even took me to Ulta to get a skincare kit and to several other stores for shopping.  One of the most incredible things, at least to me is that she enjoys braiding my hair for me and just talking.  We haven't told anyone else, not the kids or their families and I'm not sure if we will or won't."

It's wonderful to hear that your wife supports you.  Telling her shows real courage on your part.  I know how enjoyable it is to have someone braid your hair.  That connection is special.  Whether or not you share this with others is completely up to both of you.

"I'm now comfortable wearing some women's clothes around my wife, though I haven't yet tried a dress, skirt, or makeup.  I'm excited for those steps but want to take things at a pace that works for both of us."

That's a healthy approach.  How far you go on this journey is entirely up to you.  Going at a pace that works for both of you is key.

"The best I can tell is that I'm a gender non-conforming cross dresser, that is a little more confused now with the new found freedom.  I've never been able to talk to a single soul about this before, as you can imagine, my head is spinning and trying to grab hold of thoughts that make sense to me."

Feeling overwhelmed is understandable.  You have identified yourself as a "gender non-conforming cross dresser" and with the new sense of freedom it's natural to feel confused.  Talking to a therapist who specializes in gender care can be a helpful way to sort through your thoughts, feelings and get clarity about where you stand.

"It's been a long road to get here and I'm so happy to finally be able to embrace this part of myself.  I look forward to learning from all of you and being part of this family."

That long road matters, but the fact that you have started walking it now is what counts the most.  By telling your story, you are helping others understand where they come from too.  Talking with people who get it, like those in Susan's, can make a big difference.

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
@ PoppyJune

[Maid Marion]

 Welcome PoppyJune!

 It is great that you can talk to your wife.  She undoubtedly understands the difficult of coming out for people of your generation.  We only knew ridicule of people like Klinger on the TV show M.A.S.H.

I was able to talk to my wife about almost everything. She had body image issues and I have a size 2 hourglass figure so you may understand what was off limits. 

It helps to set ground rules on issues like where you can appear dressed as female.
Or what sort of clothes you can wear that the public can't normally see.

Marion

[Alana Ashleigh]

Hi PoppyJune

Alana

[ChrissyRyan]

Hi!


Welcome PoppyJune!


Chrissy