Hello everyone,
Originally, I was born as a male but I had always grown up asking myself why I was born with the parts that I have. I was raised in a small, conservative, Republican town in Texas and spent most of my life going to a Southern Baptist church. Around the age of 9-10, my curiosity grew stronger and I began to secretly cross dress. At the time, I had no idea what I was doing. For many years I thought I was just sexually perverted and needed to confess to God and repent from my sins.
I started college at Baylor University at 18 years old and finally questioned if I was the only person who felt the way that I did. After some Googling, I came across Julie Vu, a transgender female who is popular for her YouTube videos about her transition. I began asking myself if I wanted to transition or not but again, I felt that I was just being sinful so I didn't. Finally after years and years of keeping this all to myself, I told a close friend of mine who encouraged me to keep an open mind. I researched more and more if I was truly being sinful or not and came to the conclusion that I wasn't being sinful, and by not transitioning, I was hindering my relationship with God.
At 19, I finally told my parents and family about what was going on. I just recently saw a therapist for the first time a couple of weeks ago and now I'm looking into going full time female. Beginning this journey has opened my eyes more and more towards the LGBT community and has helped me finally find peace with myself and who I truly am. I look forward to getting to know everyone personally and hearing their stories in this community!
- (soon to be) Kaylon Grace~
Hi Kaylon, welcome to Susan's. I know my religious upbringing slowed me down and me feel sinful to, but I learned that my transitioning was not in conflict with my religion. I can relate to how hard it is to get passed that. I look forward to seeing you around the forums. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah
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Welcome! And thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Hi Kaylon Grace and welcome to Susan's. I was also raised Southern Baptist and as an adult turned away from religion, but not faith, due to their beliefs. That lasted years until I found a Presbyterian church with a large number of LGBT people including several transgender members. Plus the assistant pastor had transitioned and maintained her ordination. This made my faith even stronger over the years I've been a member. We were talking the other day and I told someone that I had grown up Southern Baptist but I was recovering. ;)
Hi Kaylon Grace :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Hugs
V M
Hi Kaylor Grace, welcome to Susan's Place! I'm from Boston. Self acceptance is always the first step on this path. See you around the site!
Hugs, Devlyn
Welcome to Susan's!
Hi Kaylon and welcome to Susan's. I came out late in life but I know this part of God's plan for my life. You are on a journey with some wonderful experiences in store for you. I am a Christian and graduated from a Christian college. I attend a church that is affirming and accepting of all people. Thank you for sharing with us.
I had to completely dump my religion before I could fully accept myself. When I was active in the Church I always felt like I was lying to God.
Sapere Aude
Hi Kaylon Grace,
What a beautiful name you have. I am also new here and enjoy reading your company on the chat page. You are a great member here, and I always look forward to seeing you out there.
We all share a common bond, but every journey certainly is unique.
Like you though, I began to question my Christian beliefs. I no longer do however, and believe strongly that our journey with self discovery also allows us to find God as we never knew He existed.
I look forward to staying in touch on our chat and forums page.
Ava
Hi Ava and welcome to susan's. So true and your very right. It helps us do both at the same time. I look forward to seeing you around the forums. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) |
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html) | News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) |
Quote from: babyava on February 11, 2016, 10:15:43 PM
Hi Kaylon Grace,
What a beautiful name you have. I am also new here and enjoy reading your company on the chat page. You are a great member here, and I always look forward to seeing you out there.
We all share a common bond, but every journey certainly is unique.
Like you though, I began to question my Christian beliefs. I no longer do however, and believe strongly that our journey with self discovery also allows us to find God as we never knew He existed.
I look forward to staying in touch on our chat and forums page.
Ava
Hi Ava and Kaylor Grace,
Welcome. Glad to have you here. It is a very supportive community.
Your stories sounds generally familiar to me as well. I grew up in a strong church family but in the North East. Still, because of the time(born in the 60's), I messed up my memories and fooled myself into many of the thoughts you had. I buried it for about 50 years.
I started working through about a year ago. While very uncertain to start, I am getting more comfortable. No idea how far I have to go to make my life work now but it is a positive path. I can see some light where I did not see it as an option before.
I wish you love, acceptance and a smooth journey, wherever it takes you.
With warmth,
Joanna