Just joined today and received a lovely welcome from Ms. Laurie who encouraged me to introduce myself here. My first post is about male underwear advice: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,228525

I'm a young adult woman with a passion for learning everything about everything, a Jill-of-all-trades, future crazy cat lady,  outsider artist, a modern day "renaissance woman" of sorts. Some things I like: music, photography, techy/ geeky things, armchair science, Retro & Vintage culture, computer games... but to me there are no boring subjects! My whole life I've felt "outside the box", like an alien species that's been dropped onto Earth trying to figure out how to blend in and pass for human. For any Star Trek TNG fans here, I'm basically a female version of Data 

For a long time I struggled with mental health issues which were finally diagnosed a couple years ago. The journey of coming to understand and manage the illness has also brought me to the best place yet of self-confidence and freedom to be my unique self in all respects. People have told me over the years that they think I'm wise for my age and a very good listener; I like to think that's the upside of having gone through my own struggles.

I became interested in gender issues in my late teens with my first awkward (strongly introverted, mildly anti-social, severely anxious) steps into adulthood. I never doubted my bio female identity but at the same time felt like "woman" was too reductionist a term to fully describe myself. I've always had far more men than women friends (it's like I don't even speak female language) and been more inclined to typically male activities and preferences but not a tomboy, either. Case in point: The very first day I ever wore a dress was Halloween 3-4 years ago. It was also the first day I ever had to jump start my car, and I felt far more proud and accomplished about wearing the dress because I already knew how to jump start a car  !

It doesn't bother me not fitting neatly into any of the labels but when I do get to feeling adrift not having a shorthand attribute to think of myself as, I go with "Indiesexual"--- unique like the rest of me . My male mind and female body do not contradict each other but rather give me a wholeness of identity whose strength I embrace!

I look forward to learning from you all and hopefully being able to contribute as well. Thank you for letting me join in!

--- Lotus

Hello Lotus

As one who always wanted to be a Vulcan, I can embrace the inner Data in you.

I am glad that you are here, stay shiny.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi again Lotus,

Yep it's me Laurie, you just can't hide from me can you? Thank you for coming here and writing this interesting intro. I like your attitude. Indiesexual indeed. I can't say as I have heard that one before. I won't  say much here as we had a bit of a conversation already. Suffice it to say  Welcome and I am happy you are here.

Hugs,
   Laurie

Hi Lotus 

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

Hugs

V M

Hello Lotus, welcome to Susan's!

You sound like a very creative person.  I am transitioning MtF and I don't intend to give up any existing interests -  working on cars, houses and many other things.  But I also plan to add new stuff now that I feel less restricted.  I figure if we are not to be held back by outdated social constraints for gender, that means everything - be yourself.

Glad you're here!

Kendra

Lotus, love the name!!! If I had a daughter I actually wanted to use Lotus as a name for her. I love your comparison to TNG a female Data that is excellent!!!! I have seen every episode of TNG several times so I am a huge fan. I actually feel like Hugh myself right now, all inquisitive of the world and everything about it. I also at times feel abused by society and used at times. Those occasions are rare though. You all will be assimilated into the collective and become one with the borg, LOL!!!!

Quote from: Jailyn on September 17, 2017, 08:13:15 PM
Lotus, love the name!!! If I had a daughter I actually wanted to use Lotus as a name for her. I love your comparison to TNG a female Data that is excellent!!!! I have seen every episode of TNG several times so I am a huge fan. I actually feel like Hugh myself right now, all inquisitive of the world and everything about it. I also at times feel abused by society and used at times. Those occasions are rare though. You all will be assimilated into the collective and become one with the borg, LOL!!!!

It's amazing how far ahead of its time Star Trek was. Not only do I love watching TNG, but I often put it on to fall asleep to--- the audio mix is so quiet and low key, and on a low volume it sounds like whispers and puts me to sleep within minutes. Bob Ross videos have the same effect too...

The very first time I wore a dress as an adult, it was a TOS-inspired blue science officer's uniform.

Lotus symbolism has been an important icon in my life for many years now. I think I read somewhere that it is used as a first name in Far Eastern cultures. What a lovely thought for naming a child!

Thanks all for the friendly welcomes!

That is an awesome costume idea for a star trek inspired halloween costume and I am a huge nerd and not afraid of it!!!!!!

Quote from: Jailyn on September 22, 2017, 06:16:48 PM
That is an awesome costume idea for a star trek inspired halloween costume and I am a huge nerd and not afraid of it!!!!!!

I actually got the dress from Amazon, from a seller (can't remember the name now) that makes them custom to your measurements. The price was not bad either for a custom fit. I had them make it as a "fit & flare" style and the fabric is casual enough (but still quality) to wear as an everyday dress (which I have also done)!