I honestly don't know where to begin.

Well, I accepted the fact I was transgendered on November the 24th, 2013. The feelings had been there for years, but it just felt so odd back then. I tried denying it, I shoved it under the rug while I was in high school. I never fit in as a male. I could fake it all I wanted, I never felt truly happy on the inside.

I am 18 now. I graduated from high school and I am entering my second semester of my first year of college. However, I am still living with my parents, as I commute to and from school.

I fear my parents will not support me. In fact, I'm fairly certain they won't. They are very religious, while I am the exact opposite. But I know coming out is a necessary step, because if I lie and hide it for even longer I may never get to live the life I want and need.

The desire for transition is strong with me. I go from being super excited at the thought of being able to transition to being depressed thinking that I may never get the help I need.

Overall, I am very happy and excited that I have accepted being trans. I am very excited for what my future may hold. On the other hand, I am nervous and unsure about what I need to do to make it a reality.

My first therapist appointment is scheduled for February 3rd. It's not a gender therapist, but I am hoping that this regular therapist can send me in the right direction of a gender therapist. 

In the mean time, I hope to finish out my second semester of college. I don't like it there, but I have to at least finish out the year before I can move on. I also plan on getting a job and saving up so I can move out on my own this summer. 

But I am going to need to come out to my parents before that. Hopefully after a lot of therapist sessions. 

Once I'm out on my own, I hope I will have a lot more flexibility to pursue the life I am truly meant to live. I have an acquaintance who is willing to help me get on my feet in a new area and introduce me to the local LGBTS groups there.

The future is promising, getting there will be the hard part. But I am so glad I accepted who I truly am. I have so much to work towards and look forward to in my future.

I guess what I'm trying to get out of this is, did you have a plan when you first realized? Or did you just go with the flow?

I'm super confused about how to start or what the process will be like. I'd like to hear some personal stories so I can get at least a little idea of what to expect.

All I know is that I want, no I need, this to happen. I just have no clue how to get there.

Hi!

As far as plans for this whole gender mess goes, I have no plan whatsoever.  But I am hoping that working with my therapist will help me figure out a plan.  So I guess that's a way of saying that I think you're on the right track.  But be careful not to rush into anything - this isn't a race!

There are dozens of people here who can offer some real true assistance to you, so please don't be a stranger.  You'll probably find that you have plenty of offer us all too.

Hi

Dont worry you made the most important step , accepting youself , and now that you are gonna start seeing a therapist im sure everything will be fine...btw not matter how religious your parents are you wont know what they think about it unless you tell them
so dont worry, just do what you need...

Welcome to the forums Faye!!!I wish you success in your transition. As for me I thought I had a plan in place but kind of blew that out of the water by coming out to all my family and friends. Dealing with their reactions are taking up a lot of time. I must say with the exception of my brother my friends and family are being pretty receptive. I think you have a good plan started make sure to go talk to the therapist and hopefully the can get you in the right direction.
Hug
Kelly

Thank you for the replies everyone. Looks like I am pointed in the right direction. I really hope this therapist can help me. Waiting until February 3rd is going to be difficult :/