Good Morning!

I am joining this forum because moms need support too!  My transgendered son first came out to me when she was 15 years old - 9/2012...we began her journey when she turned 16 the following year in March....It's been a roller coaster ride of emotions...from knowing absolutely nothing about the transgendered community or the issues that Jamie would face as she made her transition...to where we are at almost 2 years later!

I love my daughter with all my heart, and immediately started doing my homework to help her on her journey...The homework is ongoing...and the learning never ceases.

Jamie has been on hormones now since April of 2013...She has blossomed into a beautiful young lady, but not without a price...and I'm not speaking of the monetary price, but the price she pays emotionally, physically and psychologically as she transitions...as her mother, I am going through it with her and I too have paid a price in those areas...

Transition is not an easy thing...you don't just start taking hormones and magically change into a female.  Never under estimate the need for support - both from a knowledgeable therapist, and an experienced and compassionate endocrinologist...Both can be hard to find.  Jamie's first endocrinologist was money oriented and since much of her care is not covered by insurance that can become quickly obvious causing us both to feel "used" rather than cared for.

We finally found an endocrinolgist (though we have to travel about an hour to see her) who can work within our insurance and doesn't count the dollars she will be paid for each visit - since her pay is not a function of how many patients she sees in a day...it truly makes a difference.

I would appreciate hearing from parents of transgendered MTF who I can share struggles with...although we have found emotional support for Jamie - in both her therapist & a local LGBT community center, I am still searching....and often feel alone in this journey.

So happy to have found this place...and look forward to rewarding experiences here!

I wish there were more parents like you

Quote from: White Rabbit on October 18, 2014, 11:08:36 AM
I wish there were more parents like you

My thought's exactly!!

A big warm welcome to this great place! I hope you both can find the support and information you need to continue the successes you have had this far. We have everything from serious topics to fun and games to help on those stressful days. Several times we have had members meet new healthcare providers through word of mouth here and one can usually find reviews or opinions on them as well. Anyway, I hope you two find the care and support you are searching for here. We have our moments, but what family doesn't. 


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Quote from: Jessica Merriman on October 18, 2014, 11:13:55 AM
My thought's exactly!!

+3 You are an incredible mom and support mechanism. The world needs a few million more of you!

You are a wonderful mother and sensitive soul! I myself am transgender but am also the parent of two males both in their early forties now and so I have some learned experiences having dealt with their stuff growing up which has left me with the impression that while kids do the growing the parents suffer the pains. I want to commend you for your magnificent sensitivity to your child's needs, most parents go to great extremes to retain control over their kids lives, which beyond meeting their basic needs and providing a good moral upbringing, once they are in Junior high and beyond, the dynamics change dramatically and the kids are either allowed to develop into who they will become or there will be rebellion, tears, frustration and eventually they realize that the parental love they are suppose to be getting is all conditional which destroys all that had been built up in them in their adolescent years. It is truly a shame and we read about it here constantly, so you are a breath of fresh air dear lady!
Kudos! 

You are a wonderful, amazing woman.  Not just because you're here, supporting others and seeking more information.  Not just because you have been lovingly supporting your daughter and making sure she gets every opportunity to be her true self in this world.  But because I know that in order for any of that to have happened, you must have created a safe and loving environment for your child so that she was able to come to you and tell you this thing at such an early age.

It's the fact that there are people like you around that warms my heart and tells me that things really, truly are getting progressively better in this world.

Welcome, with all my heart! 

Hi Jamie's Mom! You must have a name? Welcome to the site! You are no longer alone, get busy posting and share the magic that this place is.

Hugs, Devlyn

Wow!   Thank you ALL so very very much!  I am in tears reading such kinds words!    I DO have a name... - it's Marina...I can't imagine a mom doing any less for her child, so hearing that this is not the norm continually astounds me...I will continue to visit and post and I will encourage Jamie to join this forum as well...she is an amazing young lady with a lot to offer! 

I thank each and every one of you who took the time to respond and welcome me in such a loving and heartwarming way...

(((hugs))) to all!

Marina

Marina is a pretty name. When you get enough posts (15), you should put it in your signature block.

Hugs, Devlyn

I can only echo what everyone else has said here
Marina you are amazing
far too many of the beautiful young women on this site are abused or abandoned by their parents and sooooooooo many are given such terrible treatment by the people that by rights should be the ones protecting them from harm and holding their hands through this.

You are an amazing, beautiful human being and both you and your Daughter should be very, very proud of each other

Lots of Love

I second what people have said here, we need more parents like you!

Feel free to come down to chat, you and Jamie are always very welcome there!


~Mattchu

WOW what an amazing mother you are Marina! 

Your love, support, and understanding of Jamie during this time is so critical... I could not imagine navigating being out as transgender to my parents  AND being a teenager at the same time!

This is a support site and the moderators keep it a safe place - you can come here to ask questions or vent and we will understand - most of us have been in Jamie's shoes in one way or another before.

I hope to see you around! 

~Eva