My name is Mia or Schu, and I'd consider myself non-binary. To go beyond that label, into territories of man or woman, isn't something I can do without feeling uncomfortable. I've always been "me". I don't feel like there is a simplistic way to describe myself because it involves breaking the gender norms that are constantly present. I am a human first, non-binary second.

It's amazing to find a community that understands gender isn't just this or that. I don't know how else to explain my gratitude...it's been a rough few months (lost my job, my home, my partner) so to find this site, it lifts my spirits.

I'm not sure what else to say except that I can't wait to get to know you all. Any questions, ask.

Hi Schu,

Welcome to our little family. Over 9054 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another member.

And be sure to check out these links ( MUST READS )

• Site Terms of Service and rules to live by
  
• Standard Terms and Definitions
  
• Post Ranks ( including when you can upload an avatar)
  
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• Age and the Forum
  
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Janet 

Hi Schu, welcome to Susan's Place! You get to be you here, no questions asked. I live near Boston. Since you brought it up, here's the (semi-official) Lurker Thread: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,130232.0.html See you around the site, hugs, Devlyn

Janet, thank you for the welcome and the links. I'll be sure to have a read of them tonight.

And Devlyn, I'm currently in Baltimore but heading back to my roots in Minnesota. Thank you, and I'm looking at the thread now.

Schu, welcome from another non-binary, in California.  Glad you joined us.

We have a nice group of non-binaries who post in the Androgyne Forum.  Come on over and say Hi! to Ativan, Pica Pica, Jay J, and the rest of us.

Morning Schu!!!
Glad you're here.  Sorry about your run of bad breaks, you'll find support and comfort here.  Gender should be all about who you are, not who people want you to be. Here you can be yourself.  Look forward to hearing from you!  xo, Holly

Welcome Schu, whatever you identify to be, you took the important step of saying what it is, and what it isn't. That's a good start and you're ahead of many. Best of luck in your journey of self actualization. Hugs, Beatrice

Thank you all for the welcome; it's much appreciated.

Jamie, I'll be sure to do that! I haven't had much fortune in finding other non-binary people; it's comforting to know they're out there.

Thanks, Holly. I'm slowly picking up the pieces; with any luck, I'll make those pieces into something more beautiful.

Beabela, thank you. At this moment, I need a good start. Something to focus on while reaching for the stars.

Hugs to all.

Just so you are aware, after 15 posts some addional utilities are "turned on" for you.  You will be able to use the personal messaging system, and you will be able to modify and customize your profile.

Jay J recently posted the "30 day genderqueer challenge" in the Androgyne Forum.  It is a "stickied" post at the top of the page.

It is a fun exercise to get you to think about some of the issues non-binaries face.

There are also private, hidden boards called "Peer Support" forums, designed for the discussion of specific, intimate issues that pertain to each specific group.  These are available to you by application after 15 posts.

Oh, thank you - well, now I can't wait to reach my post count. All the wonderful avenues this place holds.

Checking the thread now; thanks, Jamie.

Hi Schu,

A big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. It's good of you to drop in and say "Hi". Hope you like it here, and you stay for a while.

There is a mountain of information, resources and friendship waiting for you here, you just need to jump in start talking and ask any question you like. You're quite safe here and we are very accepting.

As it's been said before, it's good you have identified yourself as YOU. The most important ingredient in anyones identity. With that understanding and open honesty you can't go wrong.

Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

Thank you, Catherine. Even if it shouldn't be needed, it's nice to be validated every now and again. It's been nothing but sweet since my arrival, and I'm slowly finding my way around.

Hello and welcome Schu, hope you enjoy the site or continue to do so if you already are.

Thanks, Emerald. I have no doubts that I will.

Hi Schu,

I'm pleased you like what you've found so far.

Quote from: Schu on November 25, 2012, 06:44:01 AM
Even if it shouldn't be needed, it's nice to be validated every now and again.

Although it's early days for you, this is one Mantra that you need to do each and every day, irrespective of what sort of day it was. You need to be validated and affirmed with some sort of positive reinforcement about yourself.

Transition, bar none, has to be the most complex process anyone could ever engage. And there are going to be so many situations, people, events, laws and whatnot against you all the way, you need the strength from your validation to carry you through. Selfish?  YES!! Life giving?  YES! Survival tool?  YES!

Enjoy and embrace your journey. It's distinctively yours.

Huggs
Catherine

Those words have to be some of the sweetest I've heard in a long time. Thank you; it means so much just find this place. The bonus is all the kind people that I've had the opportunity to converse with.

Welcome to the site, Schu. Be who you are. Let no one else define who you are.

I wasn't sure if I should start a new post or keep it the same thread; I opted for the later.

It's been a while; I disappeared without a trace and I was struggling with, well, life. An update: things have calmed down. I am officially divorced from my ex-husband, and my heart has been healing relatively well. I'm still searching for a job and trying to be true to myself, but I'm happier than I was before...it almost feels like I'm starting over.

Anyway, I just wanted to say, I'm back. I plan on staying a little longer this time.

You are starting over, Schu, but you have about 11,000 new friends here.

Thank you, and I can't wait to talk to each and every one.