Hi, I'm Katherine; Kate for short.
I'm 58 years old, married, three daughters, 5 granddaughters, and as of last May, our first grandson.
I was diagnosed as Gender Dysphoric 25 years ago.
It was at a time where my daughter's mother left me for another woman. As conflicted as I was (and am), I couldn't add the loss of their father to them no longer having their mother around.
25 years later my coping mechanisms have started taking a toll on my body, and after an unexpected hospitalization, I learned if I didn't make some changes, I would be dead before I'm eligible for Medicare & Social Security.
So I came clean to my current wife of 22 years. Her response was one of multiple emotions; fear, feeling deceived, not wanting to lose our relationship. We're friends as well as partners. And, so far willing to walk this journey together.
Found a therapist that I / we will start working with very soon.
My wife and I have discussed boundaries. One being GCS is out of the question right now. But's too early to really think about that.
My prayer is that my wife / partner & I can find a balance where we can remain friends & partners, and deepen our relationship by adding some level of girlfriend to the mix.
Thanks for creating this forum.
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Hi Kate 🙋♀️ I can relate with you and your wife's situation. When I started hrt I laid out the cards for my wife, explaining that certain physical changes may occur through the medication. Other changes may or may not be considered to further my transition, including GCS.
Taking each step slowly has made it easier for the both of us. We too are in a long term relationship (37 years) and have been good friends throughout. She is understandably apprehensive, but after noticeable changes and 14 months, she shows no sign of wanting to leave, and expresses her love often.
She is not quite to the point of "girlfriend" yet, but I see it soon, since a couple of her girlfriends are my girlfriends too.
Therapy is a great place to start it all, learn who you are, then weigh out the pros and cons.
For me, the pros have been more than the cons....so far.
Hugs and smiles from a California girl
Hey Kate :)
Congratulations with start your way. You've waited long enough, and it's time to think a little more about yourself :)
It always great to have supportive family or friends, you're lucky girl :)
Hope you'll have a good jorney. Welcome here :)
[emoji23]
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Hi Kate :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Hugs
V M
My wife Loves Me as a person.
Trying to move slowly...
She knows, and sees, I've changed out all my intimate wear and no longer wear anything considered male. I still try to keep it a bit private as I don't know she has had time to fully process what I've done to us....
I start counseling again on 10/2/18. I've already told her that I want to do the first one or so alone, and that I want her to be able to talk privately, and together.
I am not transitioning socially yet except for (in addition to my regular Apple Watch) I had a acquired the smaller Apple Watch and put a rather feminine band on it, which I wore to church this weekend. I am looking at Jeans, Sandles, and Flats.
She's helped me with shaving my legs and under arms (I've shaved my under arms on and off for years). Her method of using hair conditioner is far more comfortable then soap or other things I've tried.
Today she offered to help me with Make Up during an upcoming vacation trip. I reminded her I intend to go slow, and fully plan to present as male during our trip; while presenting, intimately, as female.
My wife loves me and not my role in our lives!!!!!!!
[emoji23]
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