Hi everybody,

Like many others who first spend a lot of time reading this forum, I've decided to finally step out of the shadows and introduce myself.

I am in my late twenties and I have recently decided to admit to myself and my girlfriend that inside, I am a man. It wasn't a complete shock since as a child I was a tomboy and struggled with finding who I was. But I have moved a lot in my life (to different cities, different countries) and I have always thought it had more to do with being an outsider rather than with how I actually felt about myself. But my life has always been very balanced. Despite the terrible teenage years, I went on to graduate, gained a BA from one of the top universities in Europe and am now on a prestigious course.

To save you the pain of reading through a long essay about my not-so-fascinating life, I'll just fast forward to this point. After telling her, my partner (for the past three years) took it incredibly well and completely accepts and loves me for who I am (yes, I am very lucky). I've finally found myself more confident than ever that I must change my body to fit who I am.

About three weeks ago I purchased my first binder and it amazed me that only the thought of buying it and a couple of Calvin Klein underwear made me so excited and happier than I could ever remember myself.

I feel as if I have just woken up from a very long dream. I am thrilled but being a cautious person, I am quite worried as I am not that young anymore, I have most of my life in order and a far from easy family.

I apologise for the rather long and newbie post. I am not exactly used to opening up but I'm happy to share this with you as I feel that even without your knowledge you have shared a lot with me and I am grateful for that.

welcome to the family bro and thanks for sharing, its always hard to open up. I'm glad your gf took it well. No matter what age, long as your happy with you is all that matters. Your still young in my book anyway. It always feels good when you do those first manly things like underwear, deodorant, shower gel, etc. Embrace it bro lol

A big warm welcome to the family Fred! If you have been here a while then you know just how valuable the information is and that we really care here. I am glad you have had a positive experience both here and with your SO. I know it means the world and your SO is welcome here as well. Feel free to rant, vent, share good news, learn or just have some distracting fun and meet the rest of the family. Here is a BIG HUG  to officially welcome you and make you feel right at home!

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Welcome, Fred! You're about 20 years younger than me, and I'm just getting started, so it's not that bad, eh?

Hey there! Welcome. There is so much joy and relief in finally being yourself <3 sounds like you have a great start to your journey.

Hi glad to meet you. Any age is a good age to become who you are- no one is ever too old. These forums are great and there's lots of useful information in them so welcome and explore!

Welcome, friend.

Welcome, this is a crazy journey we are on, isn't it? I'm in the early stages too

Quote from: Ryan55 on March 25, 2014, 04:00:27 PM
welcome to the family bro and thanks for sharing, its always hard to open up. I'm glad your gf took it well. No matter what age, long as your happy with you is all that matters. Your still young in my book anyway. It always feels good when you do those first manly things like underwear, deodorant, shower gel, etc. Embrace it bro lol

Thank you, Ryan! When it comes to opening up, I am worse than most I suppose, or at least that's what my girlfriend always says! lol. I am definitely starting to embrace it, it makes me too happy not to. I've already got an appointment to see my doctor in mid April and I must admit I am excited but really nervous about it too. There is so much to figure out now but sometimes I feel I need to force myself to take a deep breathe and realise what's actually happening.

Quote from: tomboy on March 25, 2014, 10:13:58 PM
Welcome, this is a crazy journey we are on, isn't it? I'm in the early stages too

Hi tomboy! It really is a crazy journey. I wonder, would you mind sharing your experiences? It'd be interesting to hear how other guys in my position are getting on.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I hope to get to know you all a little better.

Hi Fred!

I remember the first day I found I was trans and it was like all the puzzles fit together when they never did before! Great feeling of finally figuring yourself out!

But that's just the beginning! Tough journey ahead of you. Remember to keep your focus and keep your spirits up best you can and it wont be all that bad

Welcome to Susan's Fred!

*Throws confetti in the air and gives you a welcoming puppy*

This journey you are going is something most of us here can relate to. Here you will meet guys an' gals in all stages of their transition. But I will also tell you that you have not only stumbled upon a forum, but a family. Everyone here is very supportive. Sure, sometimes we bicker, argue and don't always agree at times, but there is one thing that never fails to be shown here, and that is support and care Though, I think big sister Jessica might have already told you something along those lines

Again, welcome to Susan's Fred

Thanks, jojon and Dalex! It is indeed a journey and I am very glad I've found others in my situation to share my experiences/concerns/views. Even though I am lucky to have a supportive partner, this place gives me something quite different, and much needed.