new here

[lee]

hey there. ive never done this kind of thing before so here goes. firstly i'll try and build a little picture for you all. im 26 years old and i love to dress and get made up as a female. as i get older and older im finding the desire stronger and stronger and have even considered maybe starting to take a hormone course. the only thing thats stoping me is my family who are completely unaware of my private life but dead against crossdressers and transexuals. hence the reason why ive come here for advise if at all possible. cheers.
                                                           lee
                                 

[stephanie_craxford]

Hello Lee.

Welcome to Susan's.  If it's help and advice that you are looking for then you have come to the right place.  There is a huge variety of members here with an equally huge variety of advice and opinion.  Take advantage of them, you will find they are more than willing to help.

Don't be afraid to ask questions and provide your own advice and experience as that is what Susan's is all about.  Be sure to read the Terms of Service and Rules that govern the site and be sure to explore the Chat area, the huge Links section, the Wiki (our knowledge base) and of course here in the Forums.

If you run into problems don't be afraid to ask any of the Mods or other staff for advice.

Enjoy your stay and relax, you are among friends.

Steph

[HelenW]

Hello and Welcome, Lee!

Family disapproval is something we all face, I think, even if it's only anticipated rather than real disapproval.  Of course, the real disapproval is all to common but its not universal!  I've been coming out to family recently and while it hasn't been all jewelry and roses it hasn't been as bad as I had anticipated either.  But, you know your people better than I do, of course!

If you're really getting anxious about dressing more and more maybe, after you research some more (the WIKI is fantastic and the links are great too, along with the rest of the site) you may find it beneficial to find and talk to a gender specializing therapist.  Also, the only safe way to get hormone therapy started is through a gender therapist.  That's the path that I've taken and it's worked for me so far.

I'm glad you found us and I hope to read more from you in the future.

again, WELCOME ! ! 
helen

[Vanessa V.]

Hey Lee....

I'm in largely your same boat, though not quite driven enough for hormone therapy...

Yeah, the folks don't know here either, which is why I keep things in the closet... and I'm fine with that to be honest...

I definitely agree with Helen, find out who you are and what approach fits you best.... Are you a CD? TS? Androgyne? the list can go on and one...

And there truely is a wide array of advice to sample!

In the end, welcome welcome, and be sure to take advantage of this unique shelter...

-Nessa

[Jillieann Rose]

Hi Lee,
Just wanted to add my welcome.
Tell others wether it is your parents an SO or friends is a hard thing to do.
Before you do I suggest that you read all about TG and as Helen said the Wiki is a great place to start your research. Also you may concider getting a gender therapist. They are great resource at helping you figure out how you are and if, when, and how to tell other about your TGism.
You will find allot of postings about telling others.
I'm glad to meet you Lee. WIll be look forward to more of your postings.

Jillieann

[sheila18]

lee:
welcome and you'll find penty advice and good advice too, you are in hte right place finally.
sheila18

[Buffy]

Hi Lee,

This is a great community to belong to.

There are people with a wide range of experiences across the gender spectrum, who have faced the same issues you have raised in your introduction, so feel free to post and ask about how they handled things.

At the end of the day, we need to find our own boundaries and quite often that will eventually involve our families. Before you embark on any medical treatment, find out where yours are and make sure you are certain that those steps are what you want.

Have fun at Susan's....

Buffy