I've never been great at introductions, so we'll see how this goes.
I'm Drew, nearly 23, and FtM. I haven't started transitioning, not sure exactly where to start, but I stumbled upon Susan's Place when searching for answers. I thought it would be nice to have a community to ask, learn, and just be around people who "get it".
Some would say I should have always known, but when I was younger, I didn't put much thought on gender. I was a kid -- not a girl or boy, just a regular kid. It wasn't till secondary school that gender was much more intrusive and personal. I was "blooming" into a young woman and it was obnoxious. As I grew older, I gained more perspective, more definitions -- new labels to try on like another skin. Some were comfortable, but didn't quite fit: Androgynous. Butch. Bisexual. As my knowledge grew, I shed the old skin for one more well-fitting: Transgeder. Femme. Pansexual. Then I subtracted: Girlfriend. Daughter. And added: God-parent. Renter. Manager.
Now here I am. There are days when I'm still struggling, but I'm slowly finding a place in the world where I feel comfortable. Confident even. So I'm just taking it one step at a time.
Hi Drew, :icon_wave:
Welcome to our little family. Over 9881 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 brother. (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsmileys.on-my-web.com%2Frepository%2FAnimals%2Fferret-3.gif&hash=f49e2f86761323f2abd9c33941920389dbb3b10f)
And be sure to check out these links ( MUST READS ) (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsmileys.on-my-web.com%2Frepository%2FAnimals%2Fferret-8.gif&hash=d9498942f8bbb4bf3ad29af75944ea5e1135c6fa)
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Janet (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F3%2F32%2FPentacle_1.svg&hash=99e763d33bc5c4d79014cb34bf6acb3dfec8befb)
Janet, thanks for the rules and guidelines. Will give them a look-see when I can.
Welcome, Drew, from southern California. We have a great FtM cadre here. Make yourself know.
Hi Drew,
A big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. It's good of you to drop in and say "Hi". Hope you like it here, and you stay for a while.
There is a mountain of information, resources and friendship waiting for you here, you just need to jump in start talking and ask any question you like. You're quite safe here and we are very accepting.
Well you found a good place to start your incredible journey. To ease the frustration and all the negative stuff that comes with it, you may find some direction and a sense of purpose in talking to a gender therapist. It's amazing what they can drag out of you. Freedom and liberation abound.
Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine
Hi Drew, welcome to Susan's Place! Glad you found us. I'm up near Boston. See you around, hugs, Devlyn
Thanks for the warm welcomes. Can't wait to get to know the community more. :)
Catherine, I'm currently looking for a gender therapist, but my insurance is picky for who I can/not see. But it should be worth the wait.
Try these:
http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?sid=1359409128.9556_27787&state=IA&spec=187&lmore=22 (http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?sid=1359409128.9556_27787&state=IA&spec=187&lmore=22)
Wow. Thanks, this helps a lot.