Hi All!! Newbie Here...

Katrina_Reann · March 25, 2011, 02:48:13 PM

Hi all. I am new to the site but not new to feeling more like a woman than a man. My story is pretty much the same as most TG/TS's. By age 7 or 8 I new I felt more like a girl than a boy. And spent a lot of time sneaking into my sister' and mom's bedroom to snag their clothes and make up. I knew I was different from the other boys and always felt insecure around them and with myself and everyone in school picked up on it. So I know what it is like to be bullied. For many years I didn't understand why I felt the way I did but as I grew into my late teens and early twenties I learned about being transgendered. To be honest it scared me and I tried to deny my feelings but it was no use. It took me a long time and counseling to finally come to a place where I embraced and accepted myself as a woman on the inside. And I didn't actually take that step until I was in my 40's. Now I am 48.

I am married and my wife is very accepting and supportive. I met her about 6 years ago and was upfront with her with my struggle with GID and that I spent more time as a woman than a man. It didn't seem to phase her although I did have make some compromises as far as how often I dressed at first. She worked hard to come to full acceptance and did a lot of research on her on for which I am truly grateful. Now she is fully accepting and says she would support me if I ever wanted to transition. And I do want to transition but because of the lack of insurance and finances that may never happen. We are both disabled and live on a limited income. But I haven't gave up all hope because I do believe in miracles and who knows maybe one day we will win the Lotto...lol

We live in the Peoria IL area and the TG community here is very limited and lacking. I have recently found a support group about 45 miles away but have yet to make a meeting, Hopefully I can make one next month. I have been on a couple of TG sites hoping to make some friends but wasn't able to make any real connections for friendship. Hopefully I can make some connections here as well as at the group I found. It would just be nice to have someone to talk to who can understand the struggles we go through. I am an ornery gal and love to joke around but I am also very caring and compassionate.

I look forward to getting to know as many of you as I can. And I am sending out an open invitation to all to feel free to email me if you need a friend, support, or just plain want to talk...Huggsss...Katrina

Janet_Girl · March 25, 2011, 05:21:28 PM

Hi Katrina,

Welcome to our little family. Over 5900 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 these links ( MUST READS )

Hugs and Love,
Janet

Katrina_Reann · March 25, 2011, 07:13:20 PM

Thank You, Janet, for both the welcome and the links.

annette · March 25, 2011, 08:52:30 PM

Hi Katrina

Very welcome to the forum honey.
Your post was very informative, so I have the feeling I know you a little better allready.
Sorry to hear about your situation but if I read well you're a fighter, someone who will never let go her ideals.
You sounds very cheerfull and I think you're a great contribution to the community.
I love people with sense of humor, they will give more sunshine to life.
So, make yourself at home, you're in a place with supporting and compassionate people.
I hope you will have a wonderfull time here.

hugs
Annette

Katrina_Reann · March 25, 2011, 09:12:43 PM

Annette,
I have already grabbed me a cup of coffee and pulled up a chair to join in the chatter.

And you are right, I am a fighter. I haven't always been a fighter but I am now and my situation has kind of made me a fighter. For many years I lived with deep depression and at times was suicidal. I figured out several years back that that was not an option and that sometimes one has to accept things they can not change. It has taken me time to accept my situation and I do still have my tuff days when all hope seems lost. But something my parents instilled in me always get me back to solid ground. And that is simply to never lose all hope no matter how hopeless things may look. But my parents also told me many times in life that I would have to balance circumstances and hope because that is what keeps our feet on the ground. It's not gravity at all...

annette · March 26, 2011, 12:43:24 PM

Hi Katrina

I think your parents were very wise, it isn't all gravity.
I love the expression

hugs
annette

Maegan · March 29, 2011, 09:59:58 AM

Hi Katrina!

Sorry I missed your initial introduction, but rather late than never! A very warm welcome to the site.
You are going to make lots of friends here. I also visited some other sites in the past, but Susan's is the best! A place I can call home.
Everybody is very supportive here.
I'd love to be your friend. Any time!
Feel free to mail me at any time.

Huggs

Maegan