I wish I could think of something witty for this title, but... hi!

[Zed]

My chosen name is Zack, Zed is my initials. Well, I say chosen, but I'm just going by what my parents would have called me had I been born male, because I have a habit of growing bored with pseudonyms after a couple months, and I don't trust myself to choose a name I won't eventually dislike  . Anyway, call me what you will.

I'm 20, living in semi-rural Australia.

I'm only 'out' to two people - both close friends. I make no secret of the fact that I have problems with identifying as a typical female, but I'm a bit leery of actually telling people I think I'm transgender, because I'm still living with my folks and I'm concerned about their possible reaction.

I guess my main problem at the moment is that I keep putting stuff off. I want to tell my parents, and one of my friends is completely supportive and is quite willing to accommodate me indefinitely if things don't go down well with my folks, but there's always something holding me back.
So, I'm just hoping that talking to people who 'get it' will help me overcome my paranoia and just get it over with.


Err, I think that's the sum of it. Hope I meet some cool people here 

[Devlyn]

Hi Zack, welcome to Susans, home of the cool people! I'm sure you'll love it here and find folks to relate to. See you around, hugs, Tracey

[erocse]

Hi Zed.

   Telling the parents..... that is aways tough. I was in some way lucky, it was done for me, with ill intent. O'well, it did worked out for the best. So now I am out to everyone. I feel sooooo much better. As I am sure you will feel, once your secret is out.

    I hope it goes well. Anyway thanks for joining us here on Susan's I hope to see more of your posts and get to know you better.

   Hugs, Roxy Rose

[justmeinoz]

Welcome aboard Zack.  I am MtF in northern Victoria myself, not exactly Bogan-ville, but not a Trans paradise either.

Being older my situation is a bit different, but I explained GID to my mother, who is getting on a bit, by referring to body dysphoria.
I explained that I didn't want to do anything as drastic as cutting off my leg with a chainsaw in order to feel "right." I went into  the psychiatric hoops I have to go through, the amount of time it would take, and the brain differences now discovered that support the fact that GID is a medical disorder, not a psychiatric one.  Also starting from a position of "questioning" rather than straight out "I'm Trans", gives them time to get used to the idea of change.

The book, "True Selves" is a good reference for the lay person, and would help with any questions your parents may have. I got mine from "Hares and Hyenas" bookshop in Fitzroy.  They have a website with a good catalogue too.

Good luck, and  remember we are here to lend support.   

Karen.