I guess I will start off with that I am 39 years old and recently started to see a therapist for my gender identity issues. I feel like I have had this for a while and I am just now ready to tackle it. I am married with two kids so I know this is not going to be easy and I have read of so many stories on here and it has given me hope. The great news is that after having two sessions with my therapists she is going to have my letter for me to start HRT and I am really excited about that. I am almost counting the days because I am so ready for this change and I am tired of being miserable all the time.

Welcome to Susan's Place. Starting HRT can reduce the dysphoria but it is somewhat dependent on the person. Some find they need a social transition to knock it all the way to zero while others find they can live comfortably on HRT alone. For now, just take it one step at a time and watch out for long range plans. Keep us posted and if you have any question, we are willing to answer them.

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Hey Kara!!!

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the first few courageous steps you have taken towards claiming a life which is truly your own!!!

Onward we go brave sister!!!

Ashley

Hi Kara 

Welcome to Susan's Place    Glad to have you here, join on in the fun

Hugs

V M

Thanks for the warm welcome  I am hoping HRT will help with it some, I know it probably won't solve it completely but it is indeed the first step. I have come out to my wife but not my kids, family, or friends yet. I don't think I am ready for that step yet but should be soon. I just know that my dad is not going to take this well, he is very manly man and has ingrained me in how men should behave. 

Hi Again Kara!

The disclosures to friends and family will come in time... I have seen so many cases of the reactions being very much better than anticipated... We tend to fill in unknowns about how people will react with our worst fears.... Even if your dad's initial reaction is less than positive, things may very well turnaround after he has had time to process things... You can think of it as an opportunity to do the messy job of expanding his view of the world... He may have set ideas of  what a man is... Soon he will learn of the courage within a transwoman

Onward we go brave sister

Ashley

Hi Kara,

   I'm Laurie, 64 and hrt addict. I am also a self appointed unofficial greeter her at Susan's Place. (( Hug ))  That was 'cuz I like it. lol  Welcome to Susan's. We all hope this will be a good place for you to come share your personal progress with us as we share ours with you. That's how we get to know each other don'tcha know? We're happy to have you here. You sound a bit excited about starting HRT. That's cool and you are even doing it the recommended way by getting some professional help with a gender therapist. Some people didn't do it that way. (looking up skyward and all over avoiding eye contact) Yep (raises hand) I was talking about me. Not the way you're supposed to do it. But I did tell my doc after a bit and did arrange for therapy myself. So I got myself back on the proper track.
  I'm in the process of telling family and friends about me being trans, most accept it without a problem but then there are others that don't. Be it family or otherwise keep in mind you are doing thing because you need to for yourself. That is the important thing. You are doing what is right for you. Others can accept it or not that is their choice and should not be your problem either way.

Well welcome Kara. Keep returning.

Hugs,
   Laurie

Hi Kara,

Welcome to Susans.

I was where you are a little over two years ago. Well, older and with three kids. Communications seems to be the key when you finally get around to it.

Let me know if you have any questions.

With warmth,

Joanna

Welcome girly! From my one and only trans bestie "your never too old to be yourself" and my lovely wife "get rid of these famous trans people images, just be yours and don't worry about what others think" so I'm 28 and no age is too old or too young to finally wake up and realize we are who we are #GirlHighFive

Hi Kara.  I'm similar in age to you (35) and also a father (3 kids).  I started down the rabbit hole a year and a half ago, and 10 months on hormones.  If it's any consolation I still haven't told my kids.  They are young (7, 5 and 1). My eldest seems to think I wear make up to fool the girls so they let me use the ladies room.  The coming out process is not terribly pleasant.  Enjoy your time here at Susan's.  There's lots of nice people here. 

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Hi Kara, I'm fifty five and hate listening to constant nonstop babble