Hi speckyhailey,
as for me, during my life before transition (age 30), I thought I was attracted to girls, but it never worked. Then I realized that it was not sexual attraction, but rather being attracted to be close to one's role models - I just wanted to be like them. I also hated boys. For one, they represented what I was forced to be like pre-transition and secondly, I had a lifetime history of being bullied (by boys of course).
Still in male mode, I had explored some local gay university association, coming to the conclusion that this is not for me. They treat each other as men (of course). After realizing the need for transitioning and taking the first steps, I quickly discovered how hugely and overwhlemingly I'm attracted to men. However, there are still a lot of fears associated with them, so it is not easy.
Now after reading this, you might share my surprise that I felt when I fell in love with a woman last year... But still, both of us need a man (or a male-traited person) as their life partner.
Despite never having a male partner, I feel that attraction to men is just natural and direct and easy for me (besides being huge). In comparison, I'm still realizing that I actually do have some true attraction to women, not only as role models. It makes me endlessly wonder how this fits into me. It is just so elusive...
Btw, HRT did not change a thing in itself.
Best Regards,
Apple