Exchange Student among other things...

[aydan_boy]

Guess who's going to spain? OMFG I'm excited. Its not for another year, but I'm going to be there for the holidays. There's only one thing I'm worried about. My teacher says it will be a bit more effort looking for a family to look after me, they don't know how they may react to the way "I am", in my teachers words. Has anyone had any experience with student exchange? Or with Spain? Is it an "ok" country to be out in? This is aimed at both MTF's FTM's and anyone else who is kind enough to answer

On another topic (aimed at the FTM's on hormones), singing voices on T. I've always prided myself on my singing voice, and It'd be a bit disappointing losing it. I've watched a few vids on youtube related to my question, but they don't really give me an answer. What are your observations? Do you believe its possible to regain a proper singing voice through practice?

[Devyn]

Guess who's going to spain? OMFG I'm excited. Its not for another year, but I'm going to be there for the holidays. There's only one thing I'm worried about. My teacher says it will be a bit more effort looking for a family to look after me, they don't know how they may react to the way "I am", in my teachers words. Has anyone had any experience with student exchange? Or with Spain? Is it an "ok" country to be out in? This is aimed at both MTF's FTM's and anyone else who is kind enough to answer

On another topic (aimed at the FTM's on hormones), singing voices on T. I've always prided myself on my singing voice, and It'd be a bit disappointing losing it. I've watched a few vids on youtube related to my question, but they don't really give me an answer. What are your observations? Do you believe its possible to regain a proper singing voice through practice?

I've always wanted to be an exchange student.  Never have been. And I've never been to Spain. So, I'm not really sure what it's like over there. Gay marriage is legalized there, so they might be a bit more tolerant than America? I don't know, honestly.

As for the singing thing, Lucas Silveira from The Cliks has been on T for...a little over a year, I think. His voice changed drastically and he's still an amazing singer. With that said, I do think it's possible. Basically, you have to practice singing a lot.

[Icephoenyx]

I was in Barcelona a few years ago and a tour guide told us it's the 'gay capital' of spain. I even in the suburbs of the city you have mean walking around in g-strings and 400 pound women laying on the beaches topless. People just don't care there. You will be more than fine there I would assume, I loved the culture there, and I'm jealous you get to go!

Chrissi

[spacial]

I have never been to Spain.

But I do know a number of Spanards quite well.

I can say that, inspite of it's background, Franco, Inquisision and so on, the people there, the ordinary people, are some of the most open and intelegent people you'll ever meet.

If you put yourself in the shoes of a prospective host family, what your teacher referrs to, your transgender, may give cause for thought. That's understandable.

But on the plus side, when a suitable host family is found, you can be sure they will be very accommodating.

Can you ask your teacher if it will be possible for you to write directly to prospective families, explaining your situation and asking them to accept you?

[aydan_boy]

Thank you for the responses 

The moment I have my cash deposit down, i will be put in contact with my host family through email. I'm not quite sure how to go about telling them, it will be uncomfortable, but I hope to find a way.

[spacial]

I'm not quite sure how to go about telling them, it will be uncomfortable, but I hope to find a way.

No it won't.

You just come out with it and tell them the truth. Something like this:

Thank you for offering to host me while I vist your lovely country. I am so looking forward....ect

I am in the process of resolving some gender issues that I was born with. As you probably know, while I have a female physique, I am male.

Thank you so much for your patience and if there are any questions you might have I will look forward to receiving them.

ect..

Ask yourself. If they don't accept you, will you still want to go to them?

[aydan_boy]

Hell yah, this is Spain we're talking about  This is an opportunity I'm not going to pass up no matter what.
I can deal with whatever but till I find out if there accepting people, I'm gunna cross my fingers.

[niamh]

Like any other European country pretty much though less tolerant being a Catholic country. The Protestant North of Europe is known for being more progressive than the Catholic South.  In any country, Spain included, urban areas are always going to be more accepting and friendly to queer folk than country areas. I do know that gender/sex-change is legalised and recognised so that is a positive thing.