Hi everyone, my name is Alana and I have just very recently "come out" and I am having some trouble getting everything started, I have been talking to a therapist and will be starting my sessions soon. I live in the mid-Missouri area. I was hoping maybe some one could help me find some resources available in this area. Is there any health care provider that helps with the cost of HRT? I also wouldn't mind some recommendations on some therapists I know I said I have been talking to one but I would like one that will be able to help me start my journey.
I am willing to tell my story to you all if you are interested and to show you this is not just a trend for me.
Much love Alana :icon_love:
Hi Alana, and welcome to Susans! We have people come to visit us from all over the world, expressing different points of view, and you are likely to find someone to help you along your way :) Here are some important links and things to ponder as you begin your journey here.
- Site Terms of Service and rules to live by (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html)
- Standard Terms and Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html)
- Post Ranks ( including when you can upload an avatar/post links and photos) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.)
- Age and the Forum (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,62197.msg405545.html#msg405545)
- Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html)
Do tell your story to introduce yourself and meet friends. We all know here that being TG is not a trend!!!
I can't help you about Missouri as I'm in Australia, but others will be on to help you there.
Hugs and Welcome!
Cindy
Okay here goes my life story...For as long as I can remember I have had trouble with my sexuality and my gender, as a child I had more interest in dolls and painting my nails with my mom, I even remember refusing to stand up or pee outside, as every other boy that I grew up with. My struggle to be myself persisted into my teens as my body became more and more masculine, I went through long stages of depression. I started "tucking" before I knew what it was, and looking in the mirror always wishing I was a girl. The first time I woke up with an erection I went to my mother in tears, which was an odd conversation. My mom has always been a very religious person and my step dad was abusive so I did my best to hide how I felt by pushing it down and telling myself that all guys my age felt the same way. However the sense of something not being right never went away and in a way worsened as my subconscious tried to make me realize what exactly was wrong, I started going through a sexual crisis having bisexual tendencies I wanted more than anything to be thought of as a woman, and I didn't know about HRT so I started thinking I must be gay, this must be what gay guys feel like, and in a way I do find my self attracted in some aspects to men but I am much more attracted to women, there beauty is inspiring, I found myself trying to be with men to fulfill my desire to be a woman, but I could never really bring myself to do anything more than kissing. So I continued to force my feelings down out of fear of what my mother might say or do. It wasn't until recently that I had truly realized what and who I am, and with love and sport from my wife and my cousin I am proud and fully accept it, and I feel a weight being lifted with each day as I am becoming my true self.. I mighthave left few things out but that is my story, what do you think?
Your story has so many similarities to many others, so you are not alone by any means.
Welcome to Susan's. There is a lot of info here and friends to be made. I'm not in MO but I am in the states. I think the wiki has therapists list, it may even have one for your area. There are online therapists also. I think they use skype.
Good luck in your journey and if I find anything I think you can use, I'll let you know.
A big warm welcome to the family Alana! This is the greatest resource you could have possibly found. All of the information you get here comes from real people going through all of the various stages of transition. You will find out what works or doesn't work and get tips on how to maximize yourself. I worked at Jeff City Fire for a few years and just loved living there. It is a beautiful place Missouri. I hated moving back to Oklahoma. As for a Therapist I found mine at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. They have a sliding scale so I am only paying $10.00 a session and you do not have to be a student. You might call University Missouri Columbia and see if they have a Psychology Department who could help you as well. Only a suggestion of course. Here is a BIG HUG ( :icon_hug:) to welcome you and make you feel at home! :)
Hi Alana! :icon_wave: Sounds to me like you've made a good start with seeing a therapist first and then joining the best support group in the world! :) You'll be able to get lots of information and meet lots of new people here. :)
Any one have advice on taking the first step out the door as a woman? I haven't started hrt yet, however I have been dressing as a woman for a little while now, it brings me a since of relief. I can look in the mirror and see my true reflection coming out, it isn't exactly what I want, cross dressing will never be enough but it is start. Like looking through a key hole I suppose. Anyways how do I take the first step out the door so to speak? I would welcome any advice especially how any of you fine men and women did it.
Thank you all so much for your love and support
Much love Alana :icon_chick:
Hi Alana,
I'm Lina. I have been dressing at home and made a strictly platonic friend that agreed to help me with critique, etc...
I've never been out in public, so two weeks ago he comes over and immediately tells me jump in my car lets go to my place.
I told him what for and I freaked out. Then he said to me you are going as Lina and as soon as we get there, we will call you a cab and you will come home as Lina. He said baby steps as I am shy about the whole dressing in public thing. I did it and it went very well, very liberating. I suggest something small and simple like that with minimal exposure to the masses.
:)
Lina
Thanks Lina :)
I have a transgender friend and she has been giving me courage, I am so thankful to have her. I will take your advice "baby steps"
How did any of you come out? I have told a few people in my family, but how do you prepare yourself to tell your parents?
Alana, a very warm southern California welcome to you. :)
We have lots of resources here, including boards dedicated to crossdressers, coming out, gender therapy, HRT, etc.
Glad you found us.
Unfortunately, I lost my family when I came out to them... I saw a lot of links for help on that when you decide to do it.
They are the ones with the problem, not you. You have a human right to be yourself. Hopefully, they will come around.
Quote from: Alana on February 25, 2014, 08:48:01 PM
Thanks Lina :)
I have a transgender friend and she has been giving me courage, I am so thankful to have her. I will take your advice "baby steps"
How did any of you come out? I have told a few people in my family, but how do you prepare yourself to tell your parents?
Well before I went FT I did tell my family, I invited them all for dinner and met them as Cindy when they walked in the door. I just told them that I was TG and my name was Cindy. If they could accept me they were welcome to stay for dinner, if not they should leave. They all stayed. I will say my parents never accepted me as a child when I came out to them, but they departed this life many years ago.
Hi Alana and welcome to Susan's. I'm happy :) that you have found the site. You seem to have a good feel of where you are. Embrace the positive feelings you may experience.
:)
Hi Alana, your story reminded me of more of my childhood that will have to add to my intro post. I am super exited to have introduced myself and am stoked by all those doing intros around this same time. Kind of silly of me, but I feel like we are all kind of being reborn together in a nursery with great caregivers as I have been absolutely wowed my the posts by Cindy, Jamie, Gennee, and Jessica to name just a few! So glad to have met you and am so not ready to do the things you and Lina are already doing!! I am excited for you both.