Hey everyone. I am new.

[Karlee]

Hey all.

I would just like to say that I am new to all of this, so please help me along if you can. It's taken a lot from me to do this...I am very confused and nervous.

I was born physically male. However, I am not quite sure of my true gender. Sometimes, and somehow, it just doesn't seem quite right. I have been looking into this non-stop for the past...week? It really does get to me sometimes.

I found a test called the COGIATI (I know it is not official, but I thought it was worth a shot). The result came back as 320, which placed me in "Classification Four: Probable Transsexual". I know that the test isn't 100% accurate, but it did sort of agree somewhat to what I was feeling. I really don't know whether to go on as male, or transition to female. I don't which way I'll be happier.

Well, that's about it for now. I am hoping that, with the help of the wonderful people in this forum, that I can find out what gender I would truly be happy to be.

Thank you for your time.

P.S. I am sorry if I posted this in the wrong section. 

[Janet_Girl]

Hi Dizzyy,

Welcome to our little family. Over 3400 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 sister.

And be sure to check out

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Blessed Be.
Janet

[Deanna_Renee]

Welcome Dizzyy,

Make yourself comfy and spend some time reading through the various threads, reading about some others experiences and feelings can help to sort out some of that confusion and help you to sort out your feelings and experiences. Also, don't be shy about asking questions or sharing problems, concerns, successes, triumphs, etc. We all love to share here.

Probably the best route to take towards truly finding the answers as to whether you are trans or just confused or whatever is by spending some time talking with a good gender therapist who can help  you to understand your feelings, experiences, thoughts, doubts, et al. That and really taking the time to search your soul, really questioning yourself and exploring what you are feeling. The wonderful folks here, as well as your therapist, can help you to decode some of those feelings and offer their insights and interpretations, but in the end it is only you who can make that determination of who you are and give that final definition.

I hope you find the path that brings you much happiness for your life - you have a long road ahead of you (I only wish I had the resources available to me when I was your age).

Deanna

[Randi]

Welcome! Oh how many times I have wished I could go back to when I was 17 again. I knew well even then who I was but for various reasons repressed those feelings and tried to be a 'guy' and for for what it's worth I did a bang up job of it for many years. However, feelings we repress always come back to haunt us. Take a lot of time and study. These are decisions not to be taken lightly. Get professional help to sort thru all this.

Like has already been said, the COGIATI test is not definative but can be used as a sort of guideline. It told me to seek professional counselling immediately-I fully intend to and soon. 

Randi

[Karlee]

Thank you all for the nice and warm welcome.

It really feels nice and good knowing that other people understand what I am going through! I can talk openly to you guys and not feel shameful about my situation. (Nobody knows but us at the moment).

I am seriously thinking about talking to a gender therapist. Does anybody have any advice about how I would go about doing this? What can I expect? How helpful are they?

Thank you!

[jesse]

hi there and welcome
the first thing you can do if your in the U.S. is contact your local GLBT center they should be in your phone book if not use information which can be intimidating when you first start out. Ask to speak to the transgender advocate if there isnt one ask whoever answers the phone who the center recomends for gender therapists. Call and Make an appointment.
it can be pricey so try to use one that accepts your insurance. okies thats if you live in the U.S. if you dont then you need to call around to various therapist offices and ask if they speacialize or have any expierience with transgender or GID if they dont move on you dont want to have to educate your therapist while your seeking help.
anouther option is on line therapy i am using this one do to he is considerably lower in price then conventional and i find the online format liberating it allows me to talk to him about stuff that would be hard in face to face communication.
A couple of us have used this therapist including nero an administrator here.
jessica
feel free to pm if you have any questions

[Deanna_Renee]

Dizzyy,

In addition to the sources that Jessica pointed out, you can also click on the link up top of this page that says "The Main Page", here there is a list of resources, under Health, click Therapists and Counselors. From here you can choose from several countries/states/etc. This is where I found my therapist and have been very happy to have found him.

As Jessica mentioned, make sure they are experienced in gender issues and just someone who has read a paper on GID. My therapist is himself a transman, so I know that he knows what I am going through. There are many others here who have recounted experiences with therapists who are not really experienced with our needs and their experiences have been poor at best. So, understand that if you start with one therapist, you are not bound to her/him, you have the choice to not continue if you are uncomfortable/uncertain about them being able to help you. They are, afterall, there to help you, not you supporting them.

Also, if you don't have insurance, and money is an issue (like with me) try to find someone whose first priority is helping YOU and is willing to offer a sliding scale fee.

Well, I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in your journey. Please keep us informed as you move on (good or bad). I was a scared little puppy like yourself just a few short months ago, but, Susan's and my therapist have helped me immeasurably to find out a lot about myself.

Deanna

[Karlee]

Hey all.
Thank you very much for your replies. I shall take your advice, and start looking for a therapist as soon as I can. Money is a little bit of a hassel for me, so I shall keep my eye out on some good ones.

Thanks again for all your help!

[sarahF]

Hi Dizzyy
We all made the leap. It's a fun ride here at Susan's
Sarah