I'm kind of intrigued to know what others stories were. After I found this site out a while ago, I didn't know what to expect. But I'm so glad with the people here, there's so many that can help out, even if it's only over the internet. My transition is far from starting because I'm away from the one person who's accepting of me no matter how I am and I plan on moving there in the summer. I years wait won't kill me, but the pain throughout it is awful. I'm an 18 year old girl who just wants her appearance to show the way that it should've from the start. In a way, I've already started transitioning because all my friends call me Rachel now instead of the name I was given at birth. Plus the person I'm moving in with (okay, they're my boyfriend (who also happens to be transgendered)) has already bought me new clothes to give a much more feminine style. But besides all the good stuff, we're both constantly wanting the actual change. Is it too soon to want the actual gender reassignment surgery? Or should I wait and decide after starting hormones? Starting hormones is my top priority next year (making it my new years resolution). I try to avoid talking about the negatives in my life because they constantly bring me down, and sometimes I get scared when it happens because I'm not sure what I'll do. How have others planned their transition? I know almost all of us, did your plan work? I hope so, if everyone else feels (not entirely) the same, I don't want others to feel the way I do. How do first appointments go with therapists? What are some of the questions they ask? I'm still very new to all of this, even though I've felt this way for years. I want to learn as much as possible before I start. Any tips or things I should avoid?

Thanks in advanced,

Rachel

Rachel--

I think there are a lot of things to consider, especially how fast you want it to go. I am all for taking my time, and I have told myself I have to wait a year from coming out to start hormones or T-blockers. If you want to do this faster, that is your decision. But ultimately, slower can be better. I feel fine and I haven't even begin to really look for a therapist yet, and I have been out for 6-7 months and like 90% full time for 2 months. Anyways, I hope this really helps and hopefully you can have a good life!

Well, I'm moving back with my boyfriend because I feel safer there. I used to live in the same province (I live in Canada), but I moved away about a year and a half ago. All my friends know, even my parents. Technically I've been out for 2 years now, but I haven't started any physical changes. In April I plan on going down to see him because it's been almost three years since we've seen each other. He has a therapist and plans on bringing me to them while I'm down so that I'm able to at least talk to someone about starting physical changes. I understand taking things slow can be a great idea, but I only want to start. Starting is what I want to do ASAP, but when I start hormones, I'll take as much time that's needed because I want to be the best me possible for the end outcome. Thanks a bunch though! I was planning on just rushing through everything to get immediate results, but after you mentioned taking it slow, it made me think a little.