Hello everyone, I've spent much time reading forums on this site and I figured It about time to give back, and reach out. Add my experience to the vast yet finite populace of the "Trans" community, and hopefully my insignificant experience can serve to help In support of another yet awaiting their first steps, like so many others had helped me by simply telling their story.

I just turned 25 its been just over a year since I started medication, in that time I changed my name, my legal gender, and awaiting orchiectomy next month. During the process I lost my engagement, my house, my career and my family. Mainly due to the stress associated with the process, I should mention I live in a small isolated community of some two thousand in population. No one here has ever seen or heard of people changing gender so I was something to gawk at, ask questions, stare and take photos, whisper and fabricate rumors. Needless to say I ended up with paranoia, trust issues and became anorexic almost immediately and turned into a walking corpse. Not that I made effort to be different either I feel no urge to wear "feminine" clothing I don't use makeup and I don't talk with a lisp, but with the dramatic effects of HRT people knew. Though with all this bad comes some undeniable good, I found who my true friends are and learned who I can really trust. With their support I overcame the negatives, and turned all mental issues and self-hate into fuel to drive me forward. I found Susan's and the story's here helped me believe I can survive just like many others have. After all the work and pain that came with the process I believe I have come out on top. I got my old position as a heavy equipment technicians apprentice back. I meet new people and they inevitably discover that I used to be a boy they are shocked.

I lived in fear for so long thinking transitioning was impossible I thought I winning the lottery was more likely then passing, but its not. It was a terrible experience but also it was the first experience I actually felt was real, and the end results were worth enduring all that hell could offer. I have my friends to thank, and my friends on susan's who Ive never even spoken to.

Without you all, I would have given up.

Thank you susan's

Welcome to Susan's Place. There are so many people around here living in the shadows that your story and what you learned will be helpful. I hope you remain with us and continue to learn and share. I am doing both as well. I needed to learn about the latest in voice but my surgery was in 1982 so I have much I can share that I learned through my transition and post surgical living. Feel free to ask questions and let me know if I can help you.