Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hello, long time lurker here, first time posting.

When I was in my 20's and trying to transition (been back in the closet now close to a decade) there were really strict rules in regards to transitioning. I remember seeing a gender therapist once a month and I was supposed to live basically full time as a woman for a period of a year before they would give me hormones.

Fast forward, cats coming back out of the bag and I don't know what to do. One of the main things that broke me from transitioning before was the potential cost. How could I have ever afforded it.

Anyway, now I'm back at the therapist and in a support group.
I hear all these young transitioning girls talking about how insurance is going to cover there procedures etc. They told me to go to a particular health clinic and I can easily get prescribed hormones.

So, for me this is all new. I think about it often, how my life might turn out if I'd been a child in today's world. I didn't know how to identify until I was an adult. I never heard the word transexual until I was a teen. I had a major aha! moment that ended up leaving me hiding it in shame.

If I were a kid today I would totally be out to my parents and probably already transitioning. My earliest thoughts I can remember were me wishing I was a girl.

So anyhow, long story I guess but I have an appointment at the clinic that I was told about. I just want to go and get a trans-friendly GP and explain, I plan to transition when the moment is right.
I have too much holding me back to move forward at this time in my life. Family, relationships, I'm afraid I'll lose it all. I'm actually thinking the only way I can do this is to just disappear.

I'm afraid it might actually drive my dad down the deep end if I came out again. Last time he disowned me, told me I wasn't his son, and we didn't speak for 3 years. He's in a bad place at the moment and I know he'd be destroyed, he already is anyway I can't throw that fuel on the fire.

I don't plan to start hormones until I've otherwise had a chance to come out fully and have some time presenting as a woman.

Thanks for reading me TL post.

I'd really like to hear from others about transitioning, health care, insurance, surgeries, family etc.

It's like I woke back up to a new world.

Hi, Jessica!

Welcome to Susan's Place.

Congratulations on starting therapy.  You have quite a bit on your plate, and having someone to talk to about it all will really help.

My transition went really smoothly.  My parents had already died by the time I got around to coming out, so there was nothing to worry about there.  My wife is my biggest supporter.  My brothers are supportive (one) and accepting (the other).  Neighbours have varied from accepting to supportive.  Groups that I am a member of (concert band, astronomy club, community theatre) have all been supportive.  I have been on HRT for nearly two years, and full-time for over a year and a half, and it is all good.  I am seen as a woman wherever I go.  All I am waiting on now is surgery (GRS), and the wheels have finally started turning on that.

I tell you this to show that a successful transition is possible, even starting late as I did, at age 62.  It helped me a lot when I was starting to hear that a happy outcome was possible.  I can tell you that it is.

Please feel free to stop by the Introductions forum (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html) to tell the members about yourself.  Here is some information that we like to share with new members:

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.)
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Hi Jessica Leiana 🙋‍♀️ Welcome to Susan's Place!  I'm Jessica also.
It's terrific that you've found your way out of the readers zone into the warmth and light.
I first heard about transgender people in my teens also, and like many, buried it deep.
I had no resources available at the time.  Times have changed haven't they.
It's wonderful that you are seeking out advice from a trans-friendly GP.  They can help get the resources you need, such as counseling with a gender therapist.
I do understand you protecting your father, but you may be able to transition under his very nose without notice.  I'm having to do just that with my overly religious mother.  For me all I need is a male cut shirt and the illusion works for her.

I see you have been greeted by the lovely @KathyLauren she gave you some very handy links to tips and rules that can help your experience at Susan's Place be enjoyable as well as educational.
Give them a look see.

@Jessica Leiana
Dear Jessica Leiana:
Thank you for coming out of the "Lurker Zone" and writing your interesting first posting.  Many of our members will now be aware of your arrival to the Forums and will be able to share with you and you with them regarding your questions and comments.

I see that you have already been Officially Welcomed to Susan's Place
by our lovely member @KathyLauren
Additionally I see that our lovely California Girl @Jessica greeted and welcomed you as well.

Please allow me to also give your a warm Welcome to Susan's Place.
I am thinking that you may have lots more questions and concerns, this is the right place for you to be to find out what others have done that may have been in your circumstances.
Be aware that there are a lot of members here that can identify with your situation..
 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others  and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here on the Forums if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....

***It's a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new friends here. 
Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace. 

In her Welcome Message  KathyLauren  included Important LINKS that will tell you about Susan's Place.  Included there is information about the site that will help you navigate around and best utilize the features here.   
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.   

Please don't be a stranger, we want to share postings and thoughts with you.

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

@Jessica Leiana
OH and another thing Jessica Leiana 
As @KathyLauren suggested at the end of her welcome message to you, to be visible to more members on the Forums and therefore know that you are new member of Susan's Place please introduce yourself stating your thoughts and concerns in the Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html).

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place
Danielle

@Jessica Leiana:
Dear Jessica Leiana:
If and when you feel comfortable doing so please keep us all up to date with your transition plans, events and progress.
We are here to listen and to offer our thoughts if you want them.

Susan's Place is the right place to find a lot of like-minded members here that can understand the issues that you go through in this journey.   
Some of these like-minded members will easily become friends.... it happens to all of us on the Forums.

Thank you for signing up and becoming a member.
Wishing you well,
Danielle