Hello! I've been reading this site for a bit, but only just decided to join. Lots of good information and discussions here. I'm a 44-year-old Michigan guy just starting my FTM transition. I'm sure my story will sound familiar to you--born female and wore myself out trying to feel natural as a woman, and to live up to others' expectations. By age four I knew something was wrong. The kids I most wanted to be with and emulate all had penises. Why didn't I? By age fourteen I was duct-taping down my boobs and wandering around in a brown bowling shirt labeled "Bob." (I didn't date in high school. I wonder why not?) As an adult, I blamed my dysphoria on a number of other problems, and I thought if I just dealt with X, Y, and Z, it would go away. So I dealt with X, Y, and Z. The dysphoria got worse, since I no longer had bigger issues to worry about. I recently just gave the **** up and decided to do what I should have done years ago. I have no current dates for surgery or HRT, as I'm still in the phase of talking things out with my therapist and convincing her that transitioning is what I really want to do. She's great, and I think she'll end up supporting me.
Like a lot of newbies, I can't read enough about what transitioning will be like, and what I can expect. I teeter between an almost-painful hope that life will get better, and the paranoia that life will get worse. I suspect that both will probably come to pass. I don't really want to talk to people in my everyday life about what's going on with me, since A) it's still much to early for that, and B ) I think they'd get sick of hearing me ramble. So I'm here.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to getting to know you all.
Hi Bob,
Lol well that's the only mane I saw. It was on your shirt. Probably time to change it.
H I'm Jeanette, your polar opposite. I'm 64, MtF an doing drugs to make my body match my long time desire to be a woman. I amd also your self appointed greeter for Susan's place. Welcome and won't you please come on in. We all want to see you comfortable here. There's a couch or chair for your over there ----> coffee or hot water for tea on the counter and water and soda in the fridge. I see you are familiar with the posts and the information available here for you to peruse. Or you are welcome to ask questions. There are people here that will try to answer them for you.
Obviously I'm not the one to advise you as what you want is the very same things I am trying to rid myself of and vice versa. Hey! You wanted to trade? lol Wish that it was that easy.
Anyway I'm glad you found is and how you decide to stay.
Hugs,
Jeanette
Welcome to the site. I love the name! Flying lemurs are such neat little animals.
I think you will find many kindred souls here at Susan's Place, as well as lots of good information. And of course, this is a great place to talk about issues we may have, and ask questions. I like to think of this place as a huge 24/7 floating worldwide support group, and fond it very helpful.
I hope you feel welcome here.
I also want to share some links with you. They are mostly welcome information and the rules that govern the site. If you have not had a chance to take a look, please take a moment to go through them.
Things that you should read
- Site Terms of Service and rules to live by (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html)
- Standard Terms and 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, and signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866)
Once again, welcome to Susan's. Look around, ask questions and join in.
Thank you very much, Jeanette and Michelle! And I'd totally trade with you Jeanette. My equipment's barely been used--still in good condition! When people want a personal name on other sites I go by Sander.
I love lemurs too, Michelle. They're smart, weird, social, and mischievous. I thought about trying out some really manly username like "Mr_Stud_Dude32984754" or something, but I couldn't think of anything that suited me. Lemurs aren't especially manly animals, but they fit my personality.
I've already found some interesting conversations on the boards, and I look forward to being able to participate more.
Hi Bob :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Hugs
V M