Site News and Information => Introductions => Topic started by: erica 7 on July 19, 2018, 05:13:28 PM Return to Full Version
Title: new member
Post by: erica 7 on July 19, 2018, 05:13:28 PM
Post by: erica 7 on July 19, 2018, 05:13:28 PM
Hi, my name is Erica and I just became a member of this site. A little about myself: I am fairly new to the transgender world, having started hormone replacement therapy last September 1st. Although, like all of us gender dysphoria has been a huge part of my life as long as I can remember. I did not truly begin to come out until I retired, due to what can only be described as cowardice.
I am big--six foot four, two hundred fifty plus pounds, a carpenter and construction worker for forty years. I always used my size as the excuse for not coming out, since "passing" is pretty much out of the question for me. ( I also have big feet and hands and a deep voice.)
However, I finally reached the point, helped immensely by a wonderful therapist, where I decided that I was not going to live the rest of my life based on what other people think, say or do. If they can't handle seeing a quite large transgender woman that's their problem, not mine. I'd like to think that I am doing pretty well, appearance wise, given what I have to work with, but I know I have a lot (tons!) to learn.
I have been out an about now as Erica, doing normal every day things, maybe a total of forty or fifty times so far. I still have yet to come out in my home town. It is very small (2,600), very rural, and pretty redneck. I hope to move soon to Eugene Oregon where I have family and I feel very safe and comfortable being my true self.
I would love to hear from anyone out there. I would love any tips or advice, and just get to know other transgender women, especially since there aren't many (none that I know of so far) in my area.
I hope to someday be able to help others who are starting out, and encourage those who have doubts and fears. I guess I feel like the fact that I can never hope to pass as a woman offers me a constant challenge, but also a constant opportunity to confront the fears and phobias of the ignorant and hopefully help educate people. That's sort of becoming my life's goal now. I have spent so much of my life around macho guys in the construction field (trying with uneven results to fit in with them in the past) and I know how many men think. Sad to say, many have very antiquated and unenlightened views about any genetic male who is less than "manly". I know this is not news to any of you out there. I just hope I can reach a few and do what I can to dispel some of the ignorance.
I know this is a long post. I don't know what the typical introduction is like for a new member, but I hope to get to know some of you in the future via this forum.
I'm glad to be here and wish only love and happiness to all.
Erica 7
ps--I would attach a picture but I don't know how to do it. I'm hopelessly inept and ignorant when it comes to modern technology!
I am big--six foot four, two hundred fifty plus pounds, a carpenter and construction worker for forty years. I always used my size as the excuse for not coming out, since "passing" is pretty much out of the question for me. ( I also have big feet and hands and a deep voice.)
However, I finally reached the point, helped immensely by a wonderful therapist, where I decided that I was not going to live the rest of my life based on what other people think, say or do. If they can't handle seeing a quite large transgender woman that's their problem, not mine. I'd like to think that I am doing pretty well, appearance wise, given what I have to work with, but I know I have a lot (tons!) to learn.
I have been out an about now as Erica, doing normal every day things, maybe a total of forty or fifty times so far. I still have yet to come out in my home town. It is very small (2,600), very rural, and pretty redneck. I hope to move soon to Eugene Oregon where I have family and I feel very safe and comfortable being my true self.
I would love to hear from anyone out there. I would love any tips or advice, and just get to know other transgender women, especially since there aren't many (none that I know of so far) in my area.
I hope to someday be able to help others who are starting out, and encourage those who have doubts and fears. I guess I feel like the fact that I can never hope to pass as a woman offers me a constant challenge, but also a constant opportunity to confront the fears and phobias of the ignorant and hopefully help educate people. That's sort of becoming my life's goal now. I have spent so much of my life around macho guys in the construction field (trying with uneven results to fit in with them in the past) and I know how many men think. Sad to say, many have very antiquated and unenlightened views about any genetic male who is less than "manly". I know this is not news to any of you out there. I just hope I can reach a few and do what I can to dispel some of the ignorance.
I know this is a long post. I don't know what the typical introduction is like for a new member, but I hope to get to know some of you in the future via this forum.
I'm glad to be here and wish only love and happiness to all.
Erica 7
ps--I would attach a picture but I don't know how to do it. I'm hopelessly inept and ignorant when it comes to modern technology!
Title: Re: new member
Post by: V M on July 19, 2018, 05:18:22 PM
Post by: V M on July 19, 2018, 05:18:22 PM
Hi Erica :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that we offer to all new members to help them along
Hugs
V M
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that we offer to all new members to help them along
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) | Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,82221.0.html) |
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html) | News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) | Membership Agreement (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,216851.0.html) |
Hugs
V M
Title: Re: new member
Post by: KathyLauren on July 19, 2018, 05:41:57 PM
Post by: KathyLauren on July 19, 2018, 05:41:57 PM
Hi, Erica, and welcome!
You are in good company here. There are quite a few of us older transitioners. Like you, I came out after (early) retirement. I started on HRT at age 62. Our kind of story is actually quite common.
Not all rural areas are bad for transitioning. I did it in a tiny fishing village of (maybe) 300 people, with no problems at all. People accept me as I am. If they talk about me behind my back, that is not my business. I have heard good things about Oregon, and Eugene in particular, so I am sure you will be fine there, especially with your positive attitude.
You are in good company here. There are quite a few of us older transitioners. Like you, I came out after (early) retirement. I started on HRT at age 62. Our kind of story is actually quite common.
Not all rural areas are bad for transitioning. I did it in a tiny fishing village of (maybe) 300 people, with no problems at all. People accept me as I am. If they talk about me behind my back, that is not my business. I have heard good things about Oregon, and Eugene in particular, so I am sure you will be fine there, especially with your positive attitude.
Title: Re: new member
Post by: Janes Groove on July 19, 2018, 05:45:37 PM
Post by: Janes Groove on July 19, 2018, 05:45:37 PM
Welcome to the site Erica. I am so glad you are finally getting the opportunity to interact with the world as your true self. I'm always sorry to hear how rural America is still not welcoming to transgender MTF women. But I do agree that cities are better for us. I wish it wasn't so. Be safe and know there are places in this world that value you for being you.