So maybe this should have been my first post, but I found this place late and ah, heck. Still, second post isn't so bad - I'll just go ahead.
I've dabbled in forums before, but this is really the first time I've looked for one out of a genuine need to know that there are people out there who understand certain things. I'm glad this place exists, and I'm glad that I can be a part of it. I realised I felt different to other girls in terms of gender when I was about sixteen. Suddenly, the boyish persona I wished I had became something I was truly missing, and the jokes about male traits that I wanted...weren't jokes anymore. I suppose we all get a bit taken in by wishful thinking at some point in our lives; I certainly did. Being able to stave off the discomfort and the dissonance with your own body, in the belief that when you get older something will change.
Eventually, you understand that it's something that you're stuck with, unless you work to change it yourself. It took me a while to come to terms with my own gender dysphoria, and no one in my family or friendship group are aware of it. Though I intend to change that, I'm one of those people that get crippled with fear at the thought of people misunderstanding or not understanding, and passing me off as some sort of pretender. Granted, I'm not the picture of masculinity (so I see why it would be hard for some people to grasp), but I do hope that I can build enough confidence on here to defend myself when the time comes!
Regards from a professional doubter,
Lori
