I joined Susan's site this evening and would like to introduce myself. I'm a 59 year old transgendered woman that came to terms with my gender identity about ten years ago. I've identified with being female for as long as I can remember. I read Christine Jorgensen's autobiography when I was teen and readily identified with her and admired the courage that she had to transition in the 1950's. In my mind Miss Christine was a pioneer and in many respects a role model for all transgendered people. However, in 1974 young men weren't supposed to want to become girls and I learned to repress my feelings quite well. I dated girls, drove fast cars, drank beer and enlisted in the Navy when I graduated from high school. I spent twenty two years in the military often volunteering for hazardous and macho assignments and managed to get married twice along the way.
Fast forward to 2009 I found myself divorced and living alone in a new city. I began to explore my feminine feelings by checking out a number of on line sites and soon realized that the emotions that I was experiencing weren't unusual. I began to build my feminine persona as well as my wardrobe. I bought clothes, shoes, lingerie, wigs, breast forms and attempted to learn the art of make up. I remained closeted for a time but I soon decided that I wanted to venture out and see the world as Melissa. I began to explore the LGBT club scene in the city that I live in. I was admittedly quite scared but also thrilled at the prospect of going out. Nearly all of the encounters that I had clubbing were positive and I felt a kinship with many of the ladies and guys that I met when I was out and about. Early on I wasn't really certain what the difference was between a crossdresser and transgendered person. As time went on and the more than I ventured out I realized that I wasn't a crossdresser and being a woman was wired into my psyche. I began to explore this issue with a licensed therapist who has gently encouraged me and helped me to validate my feelings.
For the last several years I have been "stuck" between my realization that I'm not well suited to be a male and the excuses that I've conjured prohibiting me from commencing my transition to a full time status because of how it may negatively impact my work life. At 59 I'm in pretty good health, financially stable and physically still a good candidate for transitioning. I know deep down transitioning is what will ultimately make me happy. With my therapists endorsement I've made an appointment with an endocrinologist to determine if I'm a candidate for HRT. In summary, that's what brings me here tonight. Any positive words of encouragement or wisdom from those that have charted this course before me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for reading this.
Melissa
Hi Melissa! While I am just starting myself so can't really offer much from the come before perspective, I still wanted to say hi and to offer what encouragement I can! I just had my first HRT consult yesterday, so we are getting started around the same time it seems like. :)
Hi Roll,
Thanks for stopping by to say "Hi!" and offering your kind words of encouragement. :D How exciting for you that you're beginning HRT soon! I wish you all the best with this important step and look forward to hearing how your transition progresses. Thanks again!
Melissa
Hi Melissa, welcome to Susan's. Like you I was introduced to that biography and a young kid. I identified with her as well, but rebelled and suppressed my need to be female as long as I could. I came to accept myself as trans finally at age 46. We, you and I are late transitioning, but that's okay, we still have decades of life left, why not be happy. I've only been on hrt a few months too, but damn it's great. I hope you get to feel how it makes me feel.
On the feeling front, feel free to post any question here, people are nice and supportive. Susan's has really helped me. I can't imagine how my transition would be without this resource.
Bari Jo
Hi Melissa, welcome. I am 45 and started HRT 2 months ago. It feels wonderful. I hope your appointment with the endocrinologist goes well for you. Also, I agree with Bari Jo, Susan's is a great place to find answers to your questions, find a shoulder to lean on when you are feeling down or to share the joy you may be feeling when you are happy. The people here are very nice.
Jayne
Hello Melissa, look like we are in the same boat. I'm 57 years old and I also will begin Hormones Replacement soon, and just like you after two sessions my Therapist okay with my transition. Since my doctor already have my Thyroid test done, and it came back positive. My Therapist will setup a mentor to help guide me while my body changing by hormones replacement. Best regards.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
Good morning ladies,
Thank you for taking the time to say "Hello!" and introducing yourselves. It seems as though we are all embarking on a new journey and an exciting phase in our lives. While the miles may separate us geographically we aren't separated in spirit. Thanks again!
Melissa
Hi Melissa
I'm Laurie. I see that you are new here. So please let me say, Welcome To Susan's Place! Come on in and take a good look around.
I'll add some links and information below that can help you get more out of our site. Please take time to become familiar with them especially the RED one as we are always getting questions that are answered there.
Laurie
Global Moderator
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) | Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,82221.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) |
Hi Melissa :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Hugs
V M
Quote from: V M on November 10, 2017, 11:04:59 PM
Hi Melissa :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Hugs
V M
Good morning VM,
Thank you for the greeting and welcome! I think that I've found a place that I belong. Have a terrific day!
Melissa
Quote from: Laurie on November 10, 2017, 07:10:54 PM
Hi Melissa
I'm Laurie. I see that you are new here. So please let me say, Welcome To Susan's Place! Come on in and take a good look around.
I'll add some links and information below that can help you get more out of our site. Please take time to become familiar with them especially the RED one as we are always getting questions that are answered there.
Laurie
Global Moderator
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) | Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,82221.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) |
Good morning Laurie,
Thank you for the greeting and all of the site information. I've read it over and think that I'll learn a lot from you ladies and make some new friends. Thanks again!
Melissa
Quote from: MelissaPink on November 09, 2017, 10:32:35 PM
I joined Susan's site this evening and would like to introduce myself. I'm a 59 year old transgendered woman that came to terms with my gender identity about ten years ago. I've identified with being female for as long as I can remember. I read Christine Jorgensen's autobiography when I was teen and readily identified with her and admired the courage that she had to transition in the 1950's. In my mind Miss Christine was a pioneer and in many respects a role model for all transgendered people. However, in 1974 young men weren't supposed to want to become girls and I learned to repress my feelings quite well. I dated girls, drove fast cars, drank beer and enlisted in the Navy when I graduated from high school. I spent twenty two years in the military often volunteering for hazardous and macho assignments and managed to get married twice along the way.
Fast forward to 2009 I found myself divorced and living alone in a new city. I began to explore my feminine feelings by checking out a number of on line sites and soon realized that the emotions that I was experiencing weren't unusual. I began to build my feminine persona as well as my wardrobe. I bought clothes, shoes, lingerie, wigs, breast forms and attempted to learn the art of make up. I remained closeted for a time but I soon decided that I wanted to venture out and see the world as Melissa. I began to explore the LGBT club scene in the city that I live in. I was admittedly quite scared but also thrilled at the prospect of going out. Nearly all of the encounters that I had clubbing were positive and I felt a kinship with many of the ladies and guys that I met when I was out and about. Early on I wasn't really certain what the difference was between a crossdresser and transgendered person. As time went on and the more than I ventured out I realized that I wasn't a crossdresser and being a woman was wired into my psyche. I began to explore this issue with a licensed therapist who has gently encouraged me and helped me to validate my feelings.
For the last several years I have been "stuck" between my realization that I'm not well suited to be a male and the excuses that I've conjured prohibiting me from commencing my transition to a full time status because of how it may negatively impact my work life. At 59 I'm in pretty good health, financially stable and physically still a good candidate for transitioning. I know deep down transitioning is what will ultimately make me happy. With my therapists endorsement I've made an appointment with an endocrinologist to determine if I'm a candidate for HRT. In summary, that's what brings me here tonight. Any positive words of encouragement or wisdom from those that have charted this course before me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for reading this.
Melissa
Hello Melissa!
You've had a very interesting journey so far, with so many successes. I can somewhat relate as a 60ish pre-transition woman. It sounds like you have all your ducks in a row and are ready for the next phase of your life, which should prove to be the most exciting. Just imagine having physical changes to go along with everything that you've added to your life already. You're sure to blossom like a flower :) Good luck with all that lies ahead. I'm anxious to hear how it unfolds.
Lindy Lou
Welcome aboard Melissa!!!
We have a lot of common threads between our stories...I am of the same era and I think the times we grew up in provided few roads from which to choose...but now we are free... and the doors we see before us lead to possibilities we had never dared to consider...The world is ours sister... Make your life what you want and need it to be!!!
Nothing compares to living a life that is finally your own!!!
Onward we go brave sister!!!
Ashley :)