Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: Julie Marie on January 10, 2010, 10:13:48 AM

Title: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Julie Marie on January 10, 2010, 10:13:48 AM
In the course of a given day, how much of your time is spent on trans stuff?

It can be online activity, personal conversations, dealing with family, discrimination, activism, your appearance, your voice, your mannerisms - anything that you do in the course of the day that is related to transgender stuff that the non trans person never deals with.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Chrissty on January 10, 2010, 10:43:56 AM
Hi Julie,

Physical stuff rarely takes up less than 2hr's a day, and on average more like 3 to 4 hr's. Some days a whole lot more... ;)

Menatally its 24/7 battle though...and I have to constantly check my behaviour is correct for my surroundings/presentation... ::)

Chrissty
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Marie731 on January 10, 2010, 11:02:09 AM
Just my browsing and posting here on occasion.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Janet_Girl on January 10, 2010, 11:17:51 AM
Just here, which is way too much.


Janet
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: barbie on January 10, 2010, 11:24:22 AM
30 minutes for plucking, daily facial care and mascara.
1.5 hour for exercising outdoors (for fitness) and taking shower.
Average 1 hour per day here in suans.

A total of 3 hours per day (plus going out enfemme during some weekends).

Barbie~~
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: EveMarie on January 10, 2010, 01:34:06 PM
Quote from: Julie Marie on January 10, 2010, 10:13:48 AM
It can be online activity, personal conversations, dealing with family, discrimination, activism, your appearance, your voice, your mannerisms - anything that you do in the course of the day that is related to transgender stuff that the non trans person never deals with.

There seems to be a grey line here, for me anyway, for checking Evie's email, being here, doing chores, etc. I do and did male or female, things "non trans person never deal with", seeing my therapist, adjusting my bra straps when underdressing, ironing Evie's things in the public laundry room,
I think the bottom line is I overlap a great deal, but I'd have to say esthetically in public, about 2-3 hours a day, emotionally it's a 24/7 situation, though I have never made the distinction of when I am marc in my mind or Evie, for I feel as though I have always been Evie. The more I come out I'm sure the more the esthetics will take up more time.

make sense?  ::)

Evie
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Miniar on January 10, 2010, 02:33:14 PM
I start my day with a 30-45 minute routine every morning that involves trans related stuff.
Then I check here a couple times a day, that's another 30-45 minutes.

But other than that, I keep it off my mind as much as possible unless something happens.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: shanetastic on January 10, 2010, 02:49:21 PM
ima use percentages haha.

50% school
15% volunteering / working
15% trans stuff
20% social activities


That is my guestimation
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Pippa on January 10, 2010, 02:56:27 PM
Currently, I am only in male mode at work and on the golf course.  The rest of my time is focused on the real me.   Mentally, I am female 100% of the time.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: gennee on January 10, 2010, 02:58:37 PM
I spend some time on the forums. Like to keep up with events in the world.

Gennee
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: june bug on January 10, 2010, 04:03:50 PM
24/7
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Dianna on January 10, 2010, 06:18:23 PM
Only when I come here for a browse.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: nathan on January 10, 2010, 11:18:55 PM
I've gotta agree with Chrissty here. 100% in my head. Less when I can concentrate on something else (work, surviving, etc).
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Silver on January 11, 2010, 02:39:46 AM
Probably spend way too much time here. Spend a nice chunk of time feeling angst/dysphoria, then trying to get over it because I'm being ridiculous. Then. . . spend some time trying to dress in a masculine way, which I guess constitutes "trans stuff" and think about it a lot, and my plans for getting all of this done when I can. So probably too long.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Jay on January 11, 2010, 03:14:59 AM
About 2 hours a day..

involving here and thinking about my bottom surgery all day everyday.   :-\

Jay
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: TGJaina on January 11, 2010, 03:50:27 AM
Half...wish it could be more sometimes.  Sometimes i wish i didn't have to think about/deal with it at all as well....

Growing and adapting, best we can do
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: AweSAM! on January 11, 2010, 12:34:08 PM
My GID is 24/7. Also, as it is said; "Time is money", and it looks like I will be spending much more money.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Butterfly on January 11, 2010, 01:29:28 PM
I agree with Matilda.  I don't come here as often as I used to.  When I do it's mainly to post some news articles or for a quick browse (that takes me about 2 hours a week at the most).  Part of that is because I don't need the moral support I once craved.  I'm happy to say that I don't suffer from transsexualism anymore ~smile~.  I'm also a very private person & would feel terribly embarrassed to burden any of you with my non-trans related personal problems.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Eva Marie on January 11, 2010, 09:27:50 PM
I swing through the site a few times a day to see whats up, but I hardly post anymore. My situation is different than most, and because of that I don't feel that I can really offer any useful advice. I also try to spend a lot less time thinking about GID issues, since there is nothing that I can do about those feelings anyway.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Janet_Girl on January 11, 2010, 10:42:13 PM
The last couple of days it has been very much on my mind.  Particularly SRS, which may just be a fantasy.  But I try to remember that my Orchie at one time was the same thing.

:'( :'( :'(


Janet
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Just Kate on January 12, 2010, 02:34:26 AM
Interesting question.  A few months after after I de-transitioned, I'd say my time spent thinking about trans stuff went to practically nill.  I might talk to one of my trans friends once a month or so but it was mostly just about life and what we were both doing.  I really was pretty silent about it except for the occasional GID flare up (about once a year or so) for about 7 years until the end of last year (2008) when the GID flared up really badly and I went looking for others who had de-transitioned.  Once there I got reintroduced to the trans world I had been so distant from for all that time and it got interesting.

As of today I check the forums 2x a day, once normally before work for about 30 minutes and then after work for about another 30 minutes (unless I actually decide to post or it is a particular interesting night of reading).  If I see someone in particular I can help I might spend much more time depending on what I perceive their need is.

Aside from forums, the amount of time I work on my own GID is nominal.  Normally it doesn't bug me and the times it does, a 30 minute conversation or crying-fest with my wife normally sets me straight.  If she is in bed when it hits, I'll come on the forums and rant to get it out. ;)
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Vancha on January 12, 2010, 03:37:05 AM
It is a constant issue in my head; but it is, as far as I see it, an ever evolving issue.  I haven't begun medical transition, but my psychological transition has been in process for a long time.  Even before I completely admitted to it.  Every day, I am reflecting and contemplating upon my issues.  I am often grateful for the little progress I have made.  I appreciate that I feel so much more comfortable presenting as I do, and that I am on the right path.  I come on Susan's a lot, I admit, although I read a lot more than I write.  I'm not always very sociable. 

I don't spend any time of my day thinking about how to present in order to please others, however.  I dress the way I want to dress - it just so happens to be conveniently masculine.  I act the way I want to act, and yet again, I am a masculine person.  I'm the sort of person that just might stick my foot out and trip you if you think I'm not presenting in the right way.  I guess that helps.  Most of my time spent on trans issues is spent simply thinking about them.  I very much appreciate my time spent thinking; so many things get sorted out that way.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Blanche on January 12, 2010, 04:01:45 AM
My interests have shifted since I'm now fully transitioned, but I still come here once every month maybe.  Why? Habit mostly.  I used to be very close to someone here too.  We even had the same GRS surgeon but as time went by, we drifted apart.  She knows who she is :laugh:  I still appreciate all the conversations we had. 
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: noeleena on January 12, 2010, 05:03:06 AM
Hi..
For me 11 years being a woman . full time . I dont think about trans things like i did .  its a part of you all the time .
All most every day for about 7 hours i am on here.  kiwi time . from 6 p m till 2 am on most nights , if we dont have server problems or i get cut out . emailing. do posts . & check up on over 9 forums . most are trans related .
    During the day . i am working on our daughters house .3 days a week .  being a builder so can do it . . spend time with my s o . as just two women . shoping . & seeing our daughter . & her two kid es . & some  or most week ends  have her daughter . Dejarn who is 7. with us . & i spend time with her doing things at the parks were we meet up with other kids & thier mums & dad s .
i do have my hobbys . in the work shed doing wood work & make tools & do wood lath work . plus the house hold things . womens work .
Plus sleep . as my australian friends dont think i do .
  This is as a woman . & yes we can do it . so yea i get to know people on our forums & am a part of our women s group s .
  so over the week its full on . & its neat.
...noeleena...
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Natasha on January 17, 2010, 07:37:07 AM
just here.  once a week.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: eshaver on January 18, 2010, 01:53:43 PM
I guess al in all , I might spend a couple of hours , dressing,  facial , computer chat, setting appointments etc. Ellen
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: K8 on January 23, 2010, 03:49:58 PM
I often spend a couple of hours a day here.  I might talk to friends IRL about my progress for a little while on many days.  Electolysis once a week: 1 hour plus 3 hour drive.  Laesr once a month: 1 hour plus 3 hour drive unless I can schedule it the same day as the electrolysis.  Therapy once a month (local).  Group once a month when I can get there (2 hours plus 3 hours driving). 

I figure that time for makeup, shopping, hairdresser, etc. aren't trans-related.  They're my real life - my new, wonderful life. ;)

- Kate
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Jakob on October 28, 2010, 01:32:51 AM
Probably at least 3 hours a day. Just being angsty, thinking, wishing, trying to look boyish, etc. Its ridiculous.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Arch on October 28, 2010, 01:41:01 AM
Sometimes I don't think about gender. This is a definite improvement over, say, a year ago.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Michael Joseph on October 28, 2010, 01:47:42 AM
Hours on here reading everything, and then 100% of the time thinking about it.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: SnailPace on October 28, 2010, 02:41:29 AM
I come on Susan's every day. (1 hour a day?)
I watch/read Trans people's YouTube/Formspring/Tumblr accounts. (1 hour a day?)
Put on and take off my binder, a feat in its own right! (15 minutes a day)
Think/talk about Trans stuff (3 hours a day?)
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Alexmakenoise on October 28, 2010, 04:20:40 PM
I've been spending a lot of time here lately.  It's mainly because I'm trying to figure out whether or not I want to transition, but I wouldn't spend nearly as much time here as I do if I didn't also enjoy the fact that it's a nice community full of interesting people.

Outside of this site, I spend some time thinking about it.  I'm not in a position to be able to afford therapy or even a binder yet, but I do plan on doing therapy and presenting as male once I can.  So that'll obviously take up some of my time.

I also plan on checking out the trans resources and groups in my area.  I don't know why I haven't yet.  Maybe because there's so much, I don't know where to start.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Colleen Ireland on October 28, 2010, 04:32:37 PM
I've been spending a LOT of time on various things, but then I have a lot of catching up to do.  Since last June I've been attending support group meetings (2x/month), looking for and finding a therapist, then attending sessions (every other week), writing my life story for the clinic submission, SHOPPING, meeting friends in the community and corresponding with them by email, SHOPPING, attending a Gender Journeys workshop (every Wednesday night X 11), reading and posting here (I'd spend a lot more time here if it wasn't BLOCKED at work due to adult content, lol), thinking, worrying, thinking, planning, SHOPPING, thinking, planning come-outs, coming out, etc. etc. etc...

Sheesh, it sounds like it's my whole life lately, and truth is, it's a large part of it.  There is a LOT to learn, think about, experiment with, and do...
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Alexmakenoise on October 28, 2010, 05:09:33 PM
Quote from: Colleen Ireland on October 28, 2010, 04:32:37 PM
I've been spending a LOT of time on various things, but then I have a lot of catching up to do. 

I kind of feel the same way.  I've been ignoring this for too long.  Time to focus on it and get things figured out.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: noeleena on October 28, 2010, 11:46:19 PM
Hi All.

Just a up date , as iv not been in here for a while due to our computers 3 of all going down . so about nine weeks  with out a computer . iv had nothing at all to do with any trans issues .

  Let alone having any contact with my friends . as i know some were worried that  some thing had happened to us , Jos & me.
we had earth quakes over here & all . we did not have any details going on so are in good shape

We are up & running on a newer computer . so hope fully our contact will remain on going .
So thank you to those who have shown concern for us .

Thank you all again .

...noeleena...
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Chantal185 on October 29, 2010, 04:23:48 PM
I spend wayyyyy too much time on Trans Related Stuff!!!!! I haven't even began transition yet, but it is constantly a burden on my mind. It is especially hard since I am still basically in the closet about all of this stuff.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: K8 on October 31, 2010, 07:36:52 AM
Quote from: Seven on October 31, 2010, 06:33:40 AM
Since I started transition, it's only even more time consuming; all I ever read or talk about is trans related stuff. I try not to because I don't want to bore my friends, but GID and transition are both such huge parts of life that it's impossible for it not to come up extremely often.

Transition can be like a big project or doctoral dissertation or new baby or some other thing that completely takes over your life.  All other things drop into the background and may get done, but transition can be all-consuming.

Just before my surgery I was talking to a close friend and told her that after the surgery things would settle down and I wouldn't always be talking about my transition.  She said: Promise?

In other words, what you express, Seven, in my experience is very normal. :)

- Kate
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Aidan_ on October 31, 2010, 08:43:24 AM
Mentally, I spend about 30 minutes to an hour in deep thought about it.

Though I spend a good hour or two here lurking and helping :P
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: Asfsd4214 on October 31, 2010, 09:32:38 AM
If you count depression that is caused in part by being trans and in part by many other things I've had happen to me in my life... I would say approx 100% of my waking life, and pretty much my sleeping life too.

It's complicated though and it can be hard to see where the trans aspects of my depression end and the rest begin.
Title: Re: How Much of Your Time Is Spent On Trans Stuff?
Post by: alanamead on October 31, 2010, 10:23:37 AM
It's like my skin - it's with me always.   I've been very mentally aware of this since a very early age and it probably runs through my mind at least once an hour on average.