Is this normal?

[asiangurliee]

Ever since I started dressing up like a female and told my supervisor that I am transgendered, i feel this overwhelming sense of exclusion. I have been excluded all my life being "gay" but this is even worse. I feel that the world is so hostile and disgusted with me. I almost cannot believe how hard it is to be a transgendered. It's insane how oppressive and rigid this society is and I live in Toronto.

[Kimberly]

Yep, to be sure. The world does not appreciate difference by and large. Tis a shame too, but oh well. Keep your chin up and behave with dignity and righteousness for there is nothing wrong with being born different!

[HelenW]

Unfortunately that's the way many people deal with others who are outside their realm of experience.  They ignore what they don't like.  It's hard to deal with because everyone hurts under disapproval, even if it's unjustified.  It must be horrible for you!

I think you may want to remember that the world is wrong in being hostile and disgusted with you.  There's no valid reason for them to be that way.  You may also want to consider getting some contacts into the local trans community.  Toronto being a large city surely must have a fairly well established support organization for LGBT people.  Even interacting with them once a month could have a wonderfully positive effect on your self-esteem.  I know that when I go to my support group, it really helps me.

And you can (and have, of course) come here to Susan's.  Keep posting, we'll listen.

helen

[stephanie_craxford]

Just to add to Kimberly and Helen's posts, I'm not sure if you are aware of this asiangurliee, but there is a fantastic resource available to you in Toronto called the "Sherbourne Health Centre".  It's a GLBT clinic set up specifically to serve our community their web link is here: http://www.sherbourne.on.ca/ they helped me a great deal when I needed it, and not just for health matters as they have links to support all over the province.

Check them out.

Steph