I found this site through Google when I searched for transgender forums. I am a successful professional with a wife and two children, living in a small community outside of Boston. I am in my mid 30s and I have been hiding my secret from everyone for the sake of my family. For as long as I can remember I have felt that I should not have been born a male. I thought this feeling would pass eventually, but it has only gotten worse.

As a recovering alcoholic, I have found a program of recovery that has quieted the urge to drink. But I have not found any way of quieting this overwhelming feeling inside of me. Instead, I have become increasingly depressed, and decided today that I can no longer keep it a secret. On Monday I will try to find a therapist who can help me figure out who I am and what I should do.

A big warm welcome to the family Clare! A lot of us here used addictions to help us mask our gender Dysphoria for so long. Most of us got to a live or die moment as we learned Dysphoria never goes away and just gets more intense as time goes by. You are by no means alone in your thoughts or feelings, OK? You should have no guilt, shame or fear either. Dysphoria can be treated without full transition if that might be something you consider. It can be as easy as Therapy and low dose hormones. For a lot this works and they can go on with life. You might go to our Significant Others section to see how loved ones deal with Gender Dysphoria coming to light in their own relationships to get an idea how your spouse may react. It is a scary time, but you have all of us for support, advice and guidance now, so use us often. Any question is fair game and you will usually get several different opinions to choose from. Here is a BIG HUG  to welcome you and make you feel right at home!

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Quote from: Clare Manning on May 17, 2014, 08:28:14 PM
I thought this feeling would pass eventually, but it has only gotten worse.
As a recovering alcoholic, I have found a program of recovery that has quieted the urge to drink. But I have not found any way of quieting this overwhelming feeling inside of me.

Welcome.Your decision to see a therapist is really an important first decision. Your statement about not being able to quiet the feeling inside you is very insightful. A good therapist can assist in diagnosing your situation and recommending an appropriate course of action.

Yay, a fellow new member. ^~^ I'm a newbie too. I just joined yesterday with my boyfriend Li. I hope you have a great time. I don't claim to be very expirienced here, nor in this area. But I'd be more than happy to be of help any way I can. ^~^

Welcome to the forums Clare.

Welcome to Susan's, Clare!

Welcome Clare.

Grace who is Sarah?

(oops  )

A warm welcome Clare!

I'm in my thirties and I came out to my partner earlier this year. My first step was to speak to a therapist too. I hope it all works out for you!

Hey there Clare  Welcome to Susan's Place. I'm sure that you'll find a lot of great information here and a lot of great people to chat with as well. Here's a big  from your new sister!

Welcome to Susan's, Clare. Congratulations on taking that first step.