Hello everyone. My birth name is Shawn, and after struggling for so many years with myself, I finally made the realization I was transgender. I'm 27 years old, married, and have a 2 month old son. (What bad timing to figure things out, huh?)

This whole thing is all new to me, but I'm sure it's where I belong. I figured it all out last week. I was home alone, and I had grabbed my wife's clothing and got dressed (something I do a lot when she's working). I went onto youtube, and watched a video of someone's transition, and I cried. I cried because I knew I would be happy if I could do that. It was then I had to be honest with myself, after 12 years of sneaking on women's clothing, hiding in a room while pretending I was female, wishing on stars, and being jumpy hearing car doors at home when I lived with my parents.

I'm ready, and it's not going to be easy. Nobody knows, not my wife, my parents, my brother, or even my closest friends. This is my first time coming out to anyone. I hope to get enough support to be able to come out publicly. I know things are not going to turn out the greatest, as I have a list of people who I doubt will support me, but I want to be me. I want to be Emily.

Thanks everyone!

Hello Emily Marie (or if your prefer, Shawn).  Welcome from southern California.

You know, the transgender spectrum encompasses a wide, diverse population.  Where you sit on that spectrum is something that might take some time to figure out.  Some people have "Aha!" moments, but even those who do, had inklings earlier in life.

A good place to start would be to talk with a therapist about your feelings, if only to develop coming out strategies.  Having just become a parent certainly could have focused you attention on your gender issues.  Best of luck to you.

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Welcome! I hope you find the strength to come out to your loved ones and they have the grace to accept you for who you truly are. Good luck!

Hi Emilymarie, welcome to Susan's Place! I'm up near Boston. Glad you decided to join us. Snacks are on the right, and don't mind the bottomless chasm on the left, that's just the complaints department!     See you around, hugs, Devlyn

Hi Emilymarie,

Welcome to our little family. Over 11705 . 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 sister.


Janet  )O(

Hello!



I just joined too so really dont think I should be giving advice to anyone, but if it helps my timing sucked too and so far its working out great.

Ah, jumpy because of car doors, jumpy because of house doors, just jumpy in general...fun times. Welcome to the best, most supportive place on earth! We'll be with you every step of the way!

Hi, and welcome   Best of luck getting things sorted, its a hard road to do, but let me say once you have yourself, as scary as it is; you will find a solace you ahve never eexperienced.  It may be awkward, painfull, and rough to do, but its sort of a nirvana of peace I've never fet before. Stories where people are in the process of self identification, and expressions of depression and being stuck really bring me to tears. Honestly. Do not let the depression and self doubt take hold or win out, doll!  Find a way to overcome it, its so peacefull once you "cross over", if you ever need advice, let me know doll! And nevre be fearfull to be you! Welcome home?