I did what I had to do back in the bad ol' days to live an authentic life, long before there were support groups, the internet, readily available quality medical resources, etc. for those of us whose birth anatomy and expected social role were at odds with who we knew ourselves to be. For the record, I prefer "transsexual" but I have always regarded it as an adjective, never a noun. I don't like "transgender" as an adjective to describe me personally. I didn't change my gender, but I did have a sex change so that I could experience the world in a more appropriate anatomical context.
I totally respect & support everyone's individual choices regarding their personal journey, and I expect the same in return.
Carol