New Guy, Bought My First Packer! Yeah!

[Alex_I_Think]

Hey,

I'm new here, thought it was about time I got talking to some other people in my boat.

I've been identifying as male for just over a year now, although I've known I wanted to be a boy for much, much longer. Since I was about 7. I come from a conservative Catholic family, so until I moved out on my own, I wasn't even able to consider the possibility that I might be trans.

I'm lucky to have a husband who is totally supportive of my starting to transition and who is helping me every step of the way. We're looking for a gender therapist in Toronto, Ontario, so if anyone has any suggestions, that would be great.

Oh, and I bought my first packer today! It just feels so great, like... natural, I guess. It's nice to have the reaffirmation that this is not just in my head. That its real. Know what I mean?

Anyways, I'm still not "out" to anyone but my husband, although I've dressed in men's clothes since I was like 12, so I don't know how my family hasn't guessed... I really want to start on T, but I'm afraid its going to kill my parents.

Anyone have any suggestions or experience coming out to religious parents?

Well, sorry for the long intro.

Thanks,

~Alex   

[Radar]

Congratulations Alex! I know what you mean about a packer feeling natural. It's like it helps me feel more like myself instead of feeling so empty down there. I can't imagine not wearing it now.

It's good your husband is supportive of you. I know what you mean about fearing it might "kill" your parents, but you have to do what you have to do. We've lived long enough in misery, dysphoria and oppression. Now it's time for you to be your true self and not the person everyone else wants you to be. It won't go away and the harder and longer you run the worse life gets for you. Good luck!

[FolkFanatic]

<<<--- Just came out to the folks, so i know what you're feeling. My parents aren't so religious, but they're really emotional. I'm adopted, they chose a "girl".... i think we can speculate from there.

So far they haven't kicked me out (and won't) but we're in the phase where they say things like " we love you, we know you have to do what you need to feel good in your body, but maybe you're confused, i don't know, baby steps, therapy, don't know if we can support you if you DO decide later on, what about college and career, be different if you weren't living with us" etc.

They're upset and confused. Thanks to support and tips from this site i'm just sitting back and waiting for therapy, not getting upset just yet because this is a big change. It's harder for ME because i'm single, 21, and still living with them. Might not be so hard for you since you have that support from your hubby and you don't live with them.

I haven't started packing yet (would have been hard to explain the new bulge to them before) and uncertain about it now (still would be hard.... baby steps... *rolls eyes*). But i tried it on a few times and i agree - feels great.

Congrats and good luck!