Hello, first off, I'm new here!
But to the matter at hand...
I came to accept I am trans like... A month or two ago, and slowly started coming out to people, the people that I found hardest to come out to (family and closest friends etc) know now, but now I want everyone to know so I can stop hiding who I know I am...
Problem is I haven't been been "diagnosed with gender dysphoria", so should that be number one priority, or is coming out socially to my local community a good first step to one day getting said diagnosis?
Congratulations! The first step is always the hardest! I think your approach is a good one, but isn't always practical. But you did it, so I wish the best for you!
Hi, Vanilla Bean!
Welcome to Susan's Place.
Congratulations on coming out to your family!
Deciding that you are trans is a personal decision, not a diagnosis. A therapist might confirm your self-assessment, that is all.
If you are looking for someone to tell you that you made a mistake, it is not likely to happen here. Everyone decides for themselves what their best path forward is. You do what you need to do.
Before you start a medical transition, if that is what you decide to do, you will need to talk to a therapist to make sure you don't have some other mental health issue that might cloud your decisions. And talking to a therapist is just helpful in general for clarifying your self-assessment and planning transition strategies.
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:
Things that you should read
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Hi Vanilla Bean, welcome to Susan's Place, I'm Jessica.
You've taken a very big step with your family, that is a hurdle that's the hardest for many.
Friends can be as easy if they hold the friendship dear.
Might I suggest seeing a therapist with experience in gender issues. Dysphoria comes in different forms for everyone.
I see that our lovely Greeter KathyLauren has welcomed you and gave you links to some very useful tips and site rules that can help in making your experience here fruitful. Give them a look see, you won't be sorry.
Hugs and smiles, Jessica
Thanks to everyone that has replied thus far! :)
@KathyLauren,
I have no doubt they would be able to tell me if my decisions were clouded by something else, but considering even when I was coming out as bi it took me much longer than this because I wasn't sure, I've never been so certain about this :) But ofc I will tell my gp to point me towards a gender specialising therapist to go through the options :)
@Maid Marion Thanks :D
@Jessica There are still hurdles when it comes to my parents, my 2nd oldest brother is like "you shouldn't be telling people yet" and my oldest bro is like "ok... cool" :P
Dad can't come to terms with it it seems, which is making mum tell me I should wait to even wear the right clothes all around the house, I guess tomorrow when she's talking to me I can explain that it doesn't feel right in guys clothes, even more so now I know who I am...