Hi everyone,
I just thought I'd a post an introduction after bursting in on Kate's blog! It's tricky knowing what to say really, isn't it? Well, for a start, I'm transsexual (MtF) so I'm in the right place!
I'm in transition now and things are going pretty well for me so far. I have to say that you lovely folk on this site have probably had a lot to do with that. I've been through all those dark places that you'd expect but things are changing now and I'm finally feeling that sense of wellbeing and belief in a future that are so hard to find when your drowning in the Sea of Dysphoria.
I've been having counselling since October but things really picked up in July, when I suddenly found myself asking for my GP referral, then the psychologist's. Then before I knew it I was on the waiting list for the GI clinic in Charing Cross. It's funny how you can be going through all these tormented internal debates while at the same time sorting everything out the way it's supposed to be. And everyone I've told so far has been really great about it – friends and medical professionals all being really kind and accepting. I'm feeling so lucky and amazed and just can't understand now why I waited so long!
As for the practicalities, I've just started with laser and a frenzy on eBay has left me with a basic wardrobe... I've been mixing things in with my old clothes and now I'm just starting to venture out as Grace. (Well, I'm always Grace of course, whatever I'm wearing but you know what I mean...) I've been astonished at how it's all gone so far as I'm pretty tall, at 6'2" – which is why it's taken me till I'm 34 to get this far, because surely (I told myself for nearly 20 years) it just ain't possible! But I haven't noticed any gasps of horror or angry mobs yet... Using the The Voice is still a big hurdle for me but it's a really important one since I'm not doing this so I can sit silently in a corner!
And all at the same time (because like you all, I'm not just transsexual), I'm going into my second year of med school. Everyone's told me how cool it is to start a new career like this but let's face it, it's small potatoes compared with this other adventure!
Anyway that's my ridiculously positive story so far. I'm looking forward to joining in the Susan's community and getting to know everyone soon.
Best wishes to everyone,
Grace x
PS. The ID "Phenomenal" doesn't mean I have a huge ego. It's from the poem "Phenomenal women" by Maya Angelou which is about being great despite bucking the stereotypes (or possibly because of it). I actually came across it on a forum for tall women – sometimes it seems like our problems aren't so unique after all...
