I'm going to have to come out... again

[Sam]

So, I'm new to this site.  I'm new at talking about my experiences and feelings period.  I started seeing a therapist last week as a first step to transitioning.  I have decided it's time to deal with my internal need to look the way I feel.  I am a 29 year old FTM and my partner of 2 years is less than understanding.  Although, she is willing to be completely miserable watching me change as long as she doesn't lose me.  This seems a bit desperate and I'm not sure how to deal with that  yet.  I'm still trying to sort out my own feelings.  My therapist is new to gender work but very excited about the journey.  She has completed some specilized courses and is not new to therapy, but after having some experience with the trans world, she has found a special place in her heart for our experiences and wants to be a part of it.  So far, I think we'll get along great.  She's very easy to talk to and the fact that she looks like a naughty librarian isn't bad either.  *smile*

Anyway, she and I decided that I should probably reach out to people that are in various stages of transition so that I can get some first hand accounts of what I am up against. We agreed that I can only get so much from books and online resources, that I will need actual warm bodies to talk to, ask questions to, and interact with on some level. 

So, here I am.  Not sure I have any questions per se, at least not right now.  But, per our agreement, I am reaching out.

-Sam

[Ellieka]

Hi Sam,

glad you found us. This is one of the first places I came to start reaching out myself. I've met some really great people here and some of them are truly like family to me.

I'm sure you will find the same. This site is really a great resource for all of us.

-Cami

[Sam]

Thanks Cami.

I am excited about the path that I am on.  I have always been the type of person that comes to a resolution about something and wants to do it all "right now!"  I understand though that this is a long road.  I get that.  I have been researching and trying to define feelings ever since I first realized what TS/TG was.  That was 8 years ago when my friend offered me a copy of My Gender Workbook.  That seems like a century, and a lot of binding attempts, ago.  I was always so afraid to talk to people about it.  I thought it was a secret I had to keep hidden.  Funny.  I feel so much more free now that I have let it out to the people around me. 

[Christian]

Hey Sam,

I'm going through transitioning too. I've learned how important it is to have a support system in place, especially a trans one. There's lots of people on this site willing to give advice or just listen. Don't be afraid to speak up :]

[Janet_Girl]

Hi Sam,

Welcome to our little family. Over 2700 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another brother.

And be sure to check out

• Site Terms of Service and rules to live by
  
• Standard Terms and Definitions
  
• Post Ranks
  

Janet

[Calistine]

Hi Sam. An an ftm too. Were all here for you and we understand. Your partner is having a hard time now, usually the people around us who don't understand do. But it turns out okay in the end

[K8]

Welcome, Sam.  Yes this is a long road, but the journey is worth it if it gets you where you need to go.  I was bottled up for years and then, once I finally came out to my best friend, things just started pouring out.  I found that as I opened to others, I also opened to myself.  In some ways, it gets easier as you open up, although there are a lot of rocks and swampy areas on this road.  It's good that you have a therapist you can work with and who is willing to do the work to help you.  That kind of help is invaluable.

Good luck on your journey.  And let us know how you're doing along the way.

- Kate

[Sam]

Is anyone familiar with South Florida? I am interested in joining a support group and I'm not sure where to look. This may sound crazy, but is there some sort of giant database of trans resources? You know, the kind that lists groups, therapists, endo's, trans friendly gyno's, well you get the idea... It can be exhausting trying to get your network together.

Thanks again for the warm welcome.