Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Dear Forum Community and Staff,
     In regards to my past posts as well as fallout from previous events with my family. My relationship with my family as you may or may not have known was at the most bitter distain and it became so tense at times that my parents would have enough and would tell me that I had to leave (all regarding the trans issue I might mention).
     Here is some advice that, although is probably not the best idea in the entire world, it worked for me and it may as well work for you:
     A few months ago my parents told me for the last time that I had to get out and that I had 7 days. So I started packing everything into my car. After I had packed for a few days I got tired and slowed down a bit, but the tension between my dad was still there really strong I might add. Anyways at the time I was working as a mechanic in a bike store. Everyone in that bike shop had the same brand of tools so the only way to distinguish was to paint them. Most colors were already taken so I went to the store and bought some pink spray paint. And painted my tools with it. Dad saw them and told me to get out now.
     So I left several things behind that I still wanted. I called a friend who told me about the 24 hour Walmart where I slept for a few nights. But here is something that you may all benefit from. One day I drove somewhere and was on my way back to Walmart when all of a sudden I didn't turn in. I kept going and going and going until I was on an expressway, then I was in Wisconsin.
    Months later I end up in Minnesota. I had visited all of the places along the way, all the cities, all the landmarks, everything. None of which were the least bit interesting. Finally I had found a place that I liked. Duluth, Mn.
     I was no out of money and out of gas, I found a Catholic worker house that fed me and gave me a place to go during the day, but I was still sleeping in my car which I had done for months previously. One of the interns at the house called "Olive Branch" worked in a youth support resource building called "Life House". The people there worked to help me make a resume to apply for work as well as get into a transitional apartment, which I have to move out of in a few days. While visiting the Olive Branch yesterday I met a trans man who was also homeless. He and I walked down to the water front of lake superior and talked for a long time.
     The life house hooked me up with numerous resources such as GLBT support groups, gender theripists,  as well as made an appointment for a medical clinic that can prescribe hormones to me without a note from a therapist.

I have been just about 7 months full time, the picture in my avatar is WAY out of date, I pass a lot better now, been whistled at by construction workers and guys in their cars, been complemented on my shoes, necklaces, and skirts by girls passing me by... Life for me right now is absolutely wonderful.

So here is the TL;DR

If you have been kicked out, drive as far away as possible and make a new life for yourself, if you keep going back to the people that kicked you out you are going to wind up attempting suicide over and over and going to the mental institutions.

There are better places that are more understanding and more open to trans people. You just have to find them!

Good luck to everyone here, I hope to hear back from you regarding my story. Whenever I post posts like these I get virtually no responses, but if you do leave a response that would be great, I know this was long, but you will enjoy it maybe! :)

:) im glad things are looking better for you now, always nice to hear someone is doing better than they were before

I am glad to here you are doing better.  I was worried about you.

I'm glad that you are ok. I've read and followed through a few of your threads the other day about how you got kicked out etc.... It really makes me sad how parents can treat their child in this way. This may sound wrong in a way... but I suppose leaving is a good choice because if you did your best to explain your situation and they still refuse to get their heads around it, then they are not good parents and they don't really deserve you.

I hope that this new beginning will continue to improve for you, Christina. Slow and steady. Be in it for the long haul and don't get sidetracked by drugs, alcohol, or other destructive crutches. Get that job and place to live and grow.

Robyn

hi Christina,

Glad things are working out for you. I can relate to that, I was virtually kicked out by my spouse, left in my car packed with all my belongings and no job. Now that was nearly three years ago. I have a good job now, been promoted once since and lots of new friends. It wasn't by choice but worth it in the end.

Take care, the journey is not an easy one.

Stardust 

I'm glad you're okay ^_^ Keep going and looking up and you'll do GREAT!

Hi Christina:

I'm just glad that you're getting a bit settled and things are Ok for now.
Nose to the grindstone and all that.
I hope that you can find a new place when your time there runs out.
Good luck.

I'm very glad things are starting to turn around for you. I was quite concerned when I hadn't seen you post for several weeks. It is wrong that parents can treat their child that way and it proves selfish motivations on their part. Keep us posted on any further developments. We are here to support you, sister.

I am so insanely happy for you..

 As a parent I can't get my head around what your family did, it's not like you came out as a drug dealer or the head of the local KKK for crying out loud.

Glad to hear things are looking brighter. It sounds like you have found a good place to live a new life.    Hugs, Sandra.

try ur best christina

Wow, Christina, that is fantastic!  Such a positive thing you did.  You go, girl!  Life handed you a lemon, and you went ahead and made cherries jubilee.

Sort of reminds me of a very long time ago... I ran away from home at one point, hitchiked west, and stayed away for a month.  Thing is, I didn't have the courage to come out to my parents, I could NEVER have talked with them about it, let alone actually work at transitioning while living at home.  For you to do that took GUTS!  And then you showed more guts by taking your own life in your hands and doing something positive.  You are an inspiration.

:) :) :)

Wow! I remember reading your threads not that long ago. I am glad you are doing well and are safe!

Stay positive!

Quote from: Christina. on August 22, 2010, 11:42:42 AM
There are better places that are more understanding and more open to trans people. You just have to find them!

Here here!  Good for you.  I cut off contact with mi madre a loooong time ago.  2nd best decision I ever made (after transition, natch).  It will save your sanity!

Stay positive, work hard, and you really will make it.  Planning doesn't hurt, but sometimes you just have to GO!!! =)

I'm new to the boards and it seems most everybody knows you, but I am really glad you're back!! That's terrible about your parents but it shows you have sooo much strength to be at the bottom like that, with no rope to help pull yourself up with, and come back up and bring yourself back. Very inspiring!!

Christina

I am so sorry I didn't read your thread eariler.

I too am so pleased things have worked out for you. I admire your courage. You are right, of course. Just get away. Make a new start.

i am happy for you :)