Hello everyone, my name is Elektra. I'm 25 years old and live about 40 minutes from the CBD of Melbourne here in Australia. I've always been acutely aware of my true identity as a woman but have only just recently had the courage to seek help. So far I have been to 2 appointments with a psychologist who specialises in gender dysphoria. This has made me hopeful that I can take steps towards presenting as my real gender but also depressed as it seems so far away from my reality. Though I've been wearing girlfriends and female family members clothes in secret since I was a teen, I own very few items of female clothing. I also have little idea of how to use make up but I do own some essentials; lipstick, foundation etc. I'm not working at the moment but I will most likely be resuming study part time in the new year. I receive the disability support pension as I have Aspergers syndrome and suffer from quite bad OCD and depression which I am medicated for. I do have a full licence and car though and am independent in some ways. I live with my parents and my 22 year old brother. Mum is vaguely aware of what I'm going through and knows about the psych I'm seeing. My family are not prejudice and would most likely accept me no matter what but I live in a low socioeconomic area surrounded by prejudice people. I also live in the kind of town where everyone knows everyone to some extent if you know what I mean. I want to get out of here but I don't know anyone I could move in with and my parents hold me back in that regard. They want me to stay at home for my own well being which I understand but I feel as if its detrimental to my transition. I would love to meet other transpeople so we can help each other out. I'm not the greatest writer but I hope this serves as a decent introduction :)
E xx
Welcome!
Hi Electra.. I have been looking around for some suggestions in your neck of the woods. Actually you are in pretty good shape in terms of support groups. There seems to be quite a few. Not sure what is in your neighborhood in particular but it appears Victoria is well represented.
Use Google or other search engine for "Transgender support victoria Australia"
http://www.transgendervictoria.com/contact/links
I happen to live about 40 miles from Seattle WA and attend the Ingersoll Gender Center. It was one of the best decisions I have made. We sponsor Gender Odyssey every year and it is so amazing "I must admit I am relatively new" but to attend an event specifically for Transgender people in which there are 1700 people attending. People just like us. A year and a half ago, I knew exactly one transgender person. Prior to meeting Chris deee, I thought I more or less was on my own. I love attending my support group and it is worth the 40 mile drive. We have around 40 attendees at any given meeting where we discuss what it means to be transgender. Last Wednesday we discussed. Losing long time friends after coming out. The negative effect of the porn industry on the transgender community. What responsibility does a post op person have in telling a love interest?
I find the people that attend to be sincere, loving, wonderful people and a great asset in helping me on my path. I so hope you are able to find and attend a group.
Dawn
Hi Electra :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that we offer to all new members to help them along
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) |
Hugs
V M
Thank you for your considered and detailed replies, I appreciate it :)
Hi Elektra, from Sydney. There is nothing wrong with your writing, your introduction is great. Welcome to the forum.
Jayne