Hello everyone. Just a quick introduction. Came here at the recommendation of a friend. Am a trans woman living in Southern California. The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity in the direction my life is going. Been "dealing with" trans related things since 8, but looking back I can see that was actually being affected at earlier age. After a hard youth and adolescence, I finally started on to the road of acceptance and began transition in '96-97, but stopped to raise two daughters as a single parent. Timing was just not right at that point and had someone I respect greatly bring me down from the disappointment of that period.
It seems that the need to change always residing in a conscious level was hard enough, but at times it would become almost unbearable. A few months ago I started working with a therapist and she has been great! Her first observation, I am as ready as ever to transition now. All of the reflection required to make the decision was done and she recognized that things are already in motion.
One thing she did ask that brought me up short is "What is different this time where you feel compelled to act"? We delved in to that and some major changes in family health seem to have brought me to this point.
Know the ins and outs and am ready to work to bring myself out in to the open. She green lighted hormones, though that was just a formality. My physician of 15 years already started me down that path regardless. Through natural methods, I have been able to alter my hormonal balance...thought I was just imagining it until my doctor showed me the results of blood testing. He told me I am well underway into HRT even if not participating yet. He approved the referral for in network endo care and I start that on the 20th.
This has always seemed a bit of a dream really...always feeling out of reach before. Even in 1996 while on HRT, it was not like it is now. Call it maturity or experience, I am determined to make it and instead of a "damn the consequences" attitude. I am making inroads into the community at large and building a support structure to keep me on the best path possible.
So here I am. Katherine has always been me and now she is openly appearing for all to see,
Hey Katherine!
Welcome to Susan's :) Great to have you here - looking forward to seeing you around the forum.
Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself.
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Cheers
Grace
Welcome Kaity. So Cal is a great place to transition. I started HRT about 7 months ago and have been full time female since I got my name and gender changed in late May. There are a lot of us here in soon to be rainy Southern California. If you have any questions or need any advice on how to do name or document changes here in la la land feel free to shoot me a message. I've been able to help a couple of the gals here get their info changed.
You will find that this site is a fantastic resource for information and support.
Hi Kaity :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Hugs
V M
Thanx Ms. Grace! Read through everything and appreciate the information. Understand and appreciate the rules of the road for sure.
Good morning Jessie, need to start making more IRL contacts :)
Thank you for the welcome VM!
Kaity
Hi Kaity,
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.
Great attitude you have. That will take you places you never imagined existed. You've got an excellent plan and a good team behind you. Wish you all the success you deserve
.
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 Kaity - welcome to SoCal! 8)
There are several of us that live around the L.A. area if thats where you are close to. Lots of resources here. Its a great place to live :)
Hello Eva, yep! I am in north San Diego county. Grew up here. Love it here and have met more than a few great people within the community here in San Diego area.