So, new to the forums but I've been looking on here for sometime. A little history on myself. I've struggled with who I am for a long time. I KNEW that I was not who I seen in the mirror, that I was seeing a reflection of myself but it wasn't who I was. So, a little over the age of 38, I decided that I wanted to change that. I hated what I seen, that what was reflected back at me was a distorted image and not my true self. So, I talked to a therapist and started my journey. It hasn't been easy but hasn't been terrible either. I've been married to the most wonderful wife you could imagine and have 2 great teenage girls. It has been harder on them than me but they have stuck by me and for that, I'm beyond words of how much that means to me. I've been on HRT almost 11 months and the changes have been wonderful. Physically there have been changes that I like but most of all my mind is at peace for a change. My mood has greatly improved and I feel that I have climbed out of a pit that I was being buried in. I went full time back in August and my work has been fully supportive of me and really progressive in their policies which surprises me considering most people don't really like them ( HINT: rhymes with 'Tall Art" ). But, they have been AMAZING! They have even organized an LBGT committee at my store to help not only management deal with issues both with employees but also the public. So, when I came out, they were right behind me, (albeit a little shocked, as I never let on about me) fully supportive and helped me deal with employee problems. I came out to my family about 2 months into my therapy sessions and even though they were shocked, they have stood by me. My in-laws, however, have pretty much disowned me, but I expected as much, they really never cared for me. My biggest shock was my best friend. I care for him to death but even he admits he's not a supporter of anything outside the norm or LBGT anything. I was terrified to tell him. He's prone to violence but what scared me the most is that he would just walk away after almost 30 years of friendship. But through a rather awkward reveal to him that I didn't plan, we talked. He didn't get upset, just stunned for a bit. Then we talked some more. And then he told me something that floored me, he said that while he didn't understand it nor fully support it, he still wanted to be my friend and that we would still go forward as friends. Not the outcome I had envisioned but one that I was surprised by and could work with. So, after this long posting, (sorry if I bored you. Just wanted to give some info on me) I wanted to say HI to everyone and feel free to chat with me. I don't have all of the answers but I am happy to share what I have learned, my ups and downs and my story so far.
Welcome to Susan's Place. People are far more accepting today than one might think and it's ashamed that people delay coming out because of the fear of what others might think. As for the company you work for, we have several member who work for them and support for members of the LGBT has been great. Your life seems to be in order but if we can help, let us know.
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Hi Jess :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Hugs
V M
Hello Jess
Nice to meet you.
Are you a Star Trek fan by any chance?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hi Jess, Welcome to Susan's
Looking forward to seeing you on the forums.
Good Luck and Huggs Niki
Welcome aboard Jess. So nice too hear about the positive surprises you encountered. We appreciate that we almost all have some bit of struggle as well. That reference to our mirror image is one I knew too well.
Hello everyone and thanks for the welcome. Yes I'm a trekkie. Some people don't notice that but I grew up watching reruns of the original series and stayed through till enterprise ended. And yes, I've had struggles but I think I have had more positives than anything. Again, thanks everyone.