Hi everyone
My name is Laura and I'm just embarking on my new journey. I am 31 and have just started hrt.
I am looking to meet other girls or guys to help me on this journey. I currently live in orange which is a couple of hours from Sydney. I just feel very isolated where I am right now.
Hi and welcome to the site :)
Hello and welcome :)
Here are a few resources that could help you:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,194986.msg1737439.html#msg1737439
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=158908.0
And you might look here for example:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,195129.msg1758946.html#msg1758946
again, welcome...
just take part, ask questions...
and there is also a chat...
after 15 postings you can send private messages and choose an avatar pic...
hugs
Thanks for the welcome. Will definitely check out those links. Thsnks
Hi Laura
I don't know much about Orange but if you can make it to Sydney there are support groups and organisations where you can meet people, like at the Gender Centre in Annandale and there's Queer and Trans yoga in Redfern.
Hi Laura and Welcome to Susan's
Lovely to have another Aussie in the site.
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I went to the gender centre a months ago. Bit of an eye opening place that one. Don't really think it's the place for me. Think I would rather make connections and meet people away from there.
I must say the community that I've come upon in these forums are simply fantastic. Already feel so much less isolated!
What didn't you like about the gender center? I've not much use for it, but my reason's probably not very typical.
It wasn't the staff or anyone like that. I went to one of there groups and it was the other girls at the group. I don't think one of them was sober and I didn't feel very comfortable being there. Was relaxed one bit and haven't been back since.
Of course this is just me experience. May have been a bad day for the other girls. I don't know. Was enough to turn me off though.
Quote from: LauraJ on December 14, 2015, 03:25:43 AM
It wasn't the staff or anyone like that. I went to one of there groups and it was the other girls at the group. I don't think one of them was sober and I didn't feel very comfortable being there. Was relaxed one bit and haven't been back since.
Of course this is just me experience. May have been a bad day for the other girls. I don't know. Was enough to turn me off though.
Well you might look for other groups... there might be other ones...
and there might be meetup groups...
hugs
Hi Laura,
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.
Orange is such a beautiful place, and in reasonable distance to Sydney. You lucky soul. But yes, not much of a community out there. Seahorse sometimes do a trip out west, but you wouldn't fit in. They're more a glitz, glamour and faux fur community.
And I feel for your adventures with the Gender Centre. I know the clientele you speak of. Not a good representation of Sydney's community.
How often, if at all do you get to Sydney? There is a fortnightly dinner at Parramatta RSL if that's of any benefit. Otherwise there is a group in Katoomba that have regular activities.
Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.
Speak to you as soon as I pick some strawberries.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine
Hi Catherine. Thanks for that. Do you know the name of the group in Katoomba? I don't get to Sydney as often as I'd like currently.
Hi Laura,
Nice to meet you. I am in a pretty similar position to yourself - mid 30's, just started HRT, living in Sydney. I found the Gender Centre to be a bit of an eye opener too - it quickly eliminated any sense of self-pity I was experiencing with my own circumstances. I don't think I'll be joining their support group, but I did get some useful info and assistance from their caseworker.
I imagine you must feel a little isolated living somewhere like Orange - still, it's a beautiful place with the world's best food and wine festival!
One thing I have been doing which is fun and helps my transition along is getting a 90-minute makeup lesson every 6 weeks at one of the big cosmetics retailers. It's a little expensive, but the one I have been going to has been very trans-friendly and helpful - worth the cost if you can stretch for it. It makes me feel human and teaches me skills that will ease my transition later on. I probably won't get a chance to do another lesson until February, but you're more than welcome to join me if you'd like (or anyone else from Sydney and surrounds!)
Look forward to hearing about your journey some more.
Hugs.
Claire
Hi Claire - I'm also from Sydney, plenty of other ladies on Susan's are too!
Hi Grace!
Nice to meet you! Glad to hear there are plenty of other Sydney-siders on here. I love living in Sydney (current weather notwithstanding). I catch the train over the bridge most days and the beautiful colours of the harbour make me smile every time. It's a good place to call home. Which area do you live in?
[Disclaimer: I also love New York and had plans to move this year - but I really need my family, friends, stable job and a strong EO legal regime for the next 18-24 months]
Welcome to Susan's Claire...
Yep another Sydneysider (Western, near Penrith and the blue mountains ;D)
And yep, the weather is pretty dismal currently :(
L Katy :-*
Welcome
As I jump in a big Sydney puddle and soak everyone. ;D
Hi ladies. Nice to meet you.
There are indeed lots of Sydney-siders! Being a transwoman in Sydney is becoming more normal for me by the minute. :)
Quote from: Jenny07 on January 04, 2016, 05:39:19 AM
Welcome
As I jump in a big Sydney puddle and soak everyone. ;D
LoL
I think (Quack, Quack!)
Katy
Hi from another Sydneysider Laura. I know Orange a wee bit because I lived in Bathurst for a while. Nice place but I was born and raised in Sydney so it's my home. There's certainly more to do do in Sydney as well, there are no problematical "aggies" and it's not not so COLD in winter. Enjoy and have fun at Susan's.
Ciao,
xoxo,
Roxanne.
quick question was there a set number of sessions with your gender therapist that were required before you could start taking hormones? Im just asking because im meeting with my therapist for the first time wed and I just want to know what to expect.
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Quote from: crazycool86 on January 04, 2016, 10:59:49 AM
quick question was there a set number of sessions with your gender therapist that were required before you could start taking hormones? Im just asking because im meeting with my therapist for the first time wed and I just want to know what to expect.
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you might ask them:
-how they see their role
-how many tg clients they had
-how long usually until letters
*hugs*
Hi CrazyCool,
I had pretty much made decisions about my future when I went to the psychiatrist, but still wanted to make sure I understood every single consequence. I asked them up front what their policy was on sessions needed for a letter. They told me they required a minimum of two visits. The second session ran out of time and ended abruptly before we got around to discussing letters - maybe a coincidence, but I did feel a little exploited. I booked a third visit, was a bit more assertive and got the letters with no problems. I have since spoken to other psychiatrists who would happily provide a letter after a single session. I don't plan to see the psychiatrist regularly, but will be having periodic sessions with a counsellor.
I resolved that since I had to do the sessions anyway (and they are hugely expensive), I wanted to get the most value I could - and to be honest, getting independent expert opinions on such a life-changing event seemed sensible. I resolved to be open and honest about everything, even if I felt ashamed or guilty discussing it. I was unlikely to be dissuaded, but was willing to hear and discuss any objections or opinions against medical transition. You shouldn't expect the therapist to give you any extrinsic validation for your decision, but they can tell you if they are concerned that there might be some other psychiatric contra-indications.
However, I would say the healthcare professional that has been the most value in my transition has been my endocrinologist. The consultation was 1/4 of the price of the psychiatrist, and I felt normal, dignified and human upon leaving. Further, they also helped set realistic expectations for the transition results, timeline and process.
Hope that helps. Good luck, and let us know how you go.
Claire.
Hi CrazyCool, you've posted your question in the Australian section and it's my understanding that you are from the United States, yes? While there may be some similarities in medical protocols etc, you should probably ask in the main section to get a more specific response for your circumstances.
Quote from: Ms Grace on January 04, 2016, 04:07:16 PM
Hi CrazyCool, you've posted your question in the Australian section and it's my understanding that you are from the United States, yes? While there may be some similarities in medical protocols etc, you should probably ask in the main section to get a more specific response for your circumstances.
sorry about that
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