Hi there, MtF reservist in my mid-20s. I've realized my growing desire to transition and there's a line of questioning I'm undergoing supporting that dysphoria may be one of my issues. I've only come out to one of my best friends, who has been nothing but supportive. But the issue is that I have a military dedication for the next two years, and likely won't pursue anything or come out to many others until my contract is up. I'm willing to deal with the reserves till I'm done rather than get out early and lose educational benefits and not have money for FFS + BA + SRS + Laser because no masters.
1.) could undergoing counseling put me into a spot where i undergo hormones right after leaving the reserves?
2.) i have a few years before i could undergo HRT, what would be good body and mind practices and regiments to do before then?
if anyone has links or more personalized advice, PMs are appreciated too
Welcome to Susan's Place and thank you for your service. Stop by our veterans thread Roll Call (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,96755.0.html) if you get a chance.
A lot of people are getting their hormones through the VA. Another option is going through an informed consent clinic depending on where you live. Counseling is a great idea if you're unsure of your feelings, they'll help you sort things out.
See you around the site!
Hugs, Devlyn
Welcome to Susan's Place. Therapy is a good place to start and then you can start HRT whenever it works for you. Removing facial hair is a slow process so you might want to start on it as soon as possible. If it come up which it most likely won't you can explain it away as ingrown hair issues as men sometimes remove their beard for that reason. With a wig, you could experiment with part time as well as preparing your wardrobe and makeup. I suggest that people delay FFS and BA until they learn what HRT has to offer because many people respond well enough that they aren't required.
The military is considering changing their policy on transgender members so the day for you to start could come sooner than you think but there is much prep work you can do now to prepare for that day two years off.
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