Did you have a trans mentor/role model?

[Quicksand]

My relationship with the transman who basically taught me everything I know, and off of whom I modeled my male identity, recently came to a natural end.  Being a bit down in the dumps, I thought it would be comforting to hear about others' experiences with positive trans figures who helped them or mentored them!

Did you have someone like that in your life as you transitioned?  What impact did they have in your life?  Are you still in contact with them today, and if so how has the relationship changed over the years?  I'm genuinely curious; I consider myself very lucky to have had such a resource during my transition, and I can't help but wonder how that worked out for others as well!

[K8]

A number of people here on Susan's have been a huge help to me, but IRL all of my mentors have been cis-women who have given me advice and encouragement and helped me along the sometimes bewildering path of transition. 

So I guess the answer is no, although I consider myself very fortunate.

- Kate

[Cruelladeville]

Reading Tula's book gave me clues as to the way ahead...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_Cossey

As I was a wild-child of the 80's baby....lol

I also was aware of a Brit woman called Jan Morris and read one of her books too....

Less mentors and more peeps doing the same thang as me...at the same time of transition were a couple of ladies I met through network groups...

We all passed through Brighton within a few months of each other....though I was on first call (early adapter)....lol

They made it successfully through and moved back into good jobs, which motivated me to do much the same.... so peer groups are important to...

As is biting off more than you can chew.....then chewing it!

[Janet_Girl]

I have many, most I have never met and all are right here.  I have a feeling they know who they are.

All I can say is Thanks Girls.

Many hugs.

[sneakersjay]

Yes.

A local guy contacted me after I posted in an online community.  I'd never (knowingly!) met a transitioned transguy before and it was eye opening.  I'd love to spend more time and hang out with him (he's a very interesting guy!) but never wanted to overstep any bounds or be too clingy/needy. 

He was hugely helpful in getting me info on resources as well as help navigating early transition, dating, and other complex issues we face.

Proud to know him.


Jay

[Sinnyo]

I suppose that I do - friends that I met at a nearby university's LGBT society meeting. I look to one guy in particular for.. proof it can be done, really. He's awesome, and thankfully very patient.

Apart from that, I consider myself fortunate and satisfied enough to have friends and folks like you on Susan's. Though I struggle for mentors, it's a real boon to feel.. less alone. Janet put that really rather well. ^_^

[cynthialee]

Soon after I came out last year my HIV care case worker told me she had anouther client who was also trans and she thought we should meet eachother. After waiting a couple of weeks my case worker called and gave me a phone number and she insisted I should call her.
So after awhile I conned Sevan into making initial contact. A couple weeks later we met at a local Star Bucks. We have been close friends ever since.
She went full time at 13 and she is in her late 40's now....So needless to say she has seen alot over the years.
Whenever I have a transition wall she helps me over it and is always there to provide guidance and love when I have issues.
However.....
I owe a couple of the people here at Susans my life. They do not know it chances are but they have made a serious diferance in my life.
So many of you people here have helped me just by posting here your success and failures and issues.
Sharing said information goes a long way to helping eachother out.
thanx