I just wanted to introduce myself, as new here and this is my first post.  A little about me:  I am 49, and have known I was born to the wrong gender from my first memories.  I have, barely, suppressed the overwhelming desire to transition.  I can no longer do that.  I am here for company and advice.

Thanks for reading.

Jan

Hello Jan, good to see another person join, I wish you luck on your transition. Feel free to ask anything while here, and don't worry about ranting (lots of people are) no one minds and I can garenty you're not the worst.

May I ask you why you had to suppress it?

Hello Jan, Welcome to Susan's.

I'm glad you found us and think you will find friendship here on your journey.

Of course you can!  Very much a traditional upbringing, sent to an all male school where being "different" was not good.  Hid all my feelings and went down a masculine route to comply with convention.  20 years in the military, family, kids and now another male dominated job which I would rather not expand on! For 45 years I have pushed this firmly to the back of my mind, but for at least 30 thoughts of transition continually erupt through the barriers.  I can no longer live as myself without going forward.

Does that make sense, am I being stupid?

Jan

Jan, your story is a very common one for those of us who are 40-, 50-, and 60-somethings.

We did the best we could, while lacking understanding, resources, and any sort of support.  You are among friends now.

Hey Jan welcome!
       

That is so very good to hear, it can be lonely at times!

Sincere thanks

Jan

Quote from: Jan on January 06, 2014, 10:58:30 AM
That is so very good to hear, it can be lonely at times!

Sincere thanks

Jan

Oh!  Another late bloomer!

Come here, dear, sit next to me and tell me all about it.

There really is a path for happiness for you to have, all you need do is follow your heart!

We're here for you!

-Sandy

Quote from: Jan on January 06, 2014, 10:38:48 AM
Of course you can!  Very much a traditional upbringing, sent to an all male school where being "different" was not good.  Hid all my feelings and went down a masculine route to comply with convention.  20 years in the military, family, kids and now another male dominated job which I would rather not expand on! For 45 years I have pushed this firmly to the back of my mind, but for at least 30 thoughts of transition continually erupt through the barriers.  I can no longer live as myself without going forward.

Does that make sense, am I being stupid?

Jan

Trust me, you're not being dumb, I tried to force myself into a male dominated career too. We all do dumb stuff while resisting ourself and put up many barriers.

Welcome
Just admitted to myself and wife what I have also been hiding my whole life.

I know we will have a tough road ahead, but the love and support of the ladies here who have gone before will help us both complete the journey to our true selves.

Hugs,
Michelleinil

Quote from: Jan on January 06, 2014, 10:38:48 AM
Hid all my feelings and went down a masculine route to comply with convention.  20 years in the military, family, kids and now another male dominated job which I would rather not expand on! For 45 years I have pushed this firmly to the back of my mind, but for at least 30 thoughts of transition continually erupt through the barriers.

We could be twin sisters Jan! This is my story to a "T" with the exception I started transition process at 47. A big warm welcome to the family. This family has saved my life, educated me and given me an outlet for the bad days we all face. I know your story well and this place will give you the tools to overcome like I have. Here is a BIG HUG ( ) to start your new journey out with!

Thank you to all of you!  As I guess you all know, there are times you think you are the only one!  I have a very supportive friend, who is the only one (until now!) who knows the true me, and she couldn't possibly give more encouragement!

Why am I here?  To seek friends, gain advice, and figure out the best way forwards.  At long last I have decided that for my own sanity I have to be true to myself, whilst trying to manage the impact on others.  I'm hoping that by being here I can go someway to achieving that!

Jessica, really!?  It was a tough path to follow, and thanks for the hug!

Jan

Quote from: Jan on January 06, 2014, 01:27:48 PM
Thank you to all of you!  As I guess you all know, there are times you think you are the only one!  I have a very supportive friend, who is the only one (until now!) who knows the true me, and she couldn't possibly give more encouragement!

Why am I here?  To seek friends, gain advice, and figure out the best way forwards.  At long last I have decided that for my own sanity I have to be true to myself, whilst trying to manage the impact on others.  I'm hoping that by being here I can go someway to achieving that!

Jessica, really!?  It was a tough path to follow, and thanks for the hug!

Jan

The hardest step is the very first one.  This is the step where you come out to yourself and admit that you are trans.

It sounds like you have already taken that step, and in the words of Obi-Wan, "... have taken your first steps into a much larger world."

Not all the steps will be easy, but they will all be easier than the step you've just taken.

With care and love you can minimize the impact on others as you move to your new life.  What awaits you is a life of joy and color that you have never known.

You have to walk this path by yourself, but you will not walk it alone.

-Sandy

Quote from: Sandy on January 06, 2014, 02:06:54 PM
It sounds like you have already taken that step, and in the words of Obi-Wan, "... have taken your first steps into a much larger world."

My favorite is "Were losing a Dysphoria shield! Go strap yourselves in, I'm going to make the jump to Hyper Trans!" *Giggle* 

Hey. Welcome to the club

Welcome. I started my transition at 53. You are not alone. I promise the next few years will not be dull but at the end happiness in a way you have never imagined possible is waiting for you.

welcome!

Jessica, would it be ok if I PM you?

Jan

Anytime baby, we're family now! 

Unfortunately can't until I've had 15 posts....as I have just found out.  Will have to wait!