56. I had hints from my early teens on I guess, but lack of information, and social pressures forced me down the path of trying to be extra masculine like so many others here.
After a close relative came out as FtM, and started full time life as a bloke, I realised why I had been battling severe depression for so many years. If he can do it, so can I. Depression immobilises you so that everything just seems out of reach, even if you could imagine it.
Tomorrow I take the first concrete step and have a facial laser hair reduction, so I will be able to say I have definitely started. After a lifetime of trying to be considerate of others, and doing "the right thing" , I am making my own life my first priority.
Being separated, and with my children adults, I don't have the same limitations of having to worry about family as much either, which is a relief too.