Hello to everyone in the Susan's community! Though I'm just now introducing myself, I've been lurking and reading the forums for a couple of weeks already 😀
Anyway, I should say a bit about myself. I'll start by saying I'm just starting to explore all these sorts of things in earnest for the first time in my life, so apologies in advance if I trip over my own ignorance. I was assigned male at birth, but after doing my best to avoid it for many years, I'm finally trying to confront the fact that that isn't quite the whole story. I don't know enough or have the confidence yet to say how I should label myself, but every journey begins with a single step, right? Last week I managed to approach this subject with my therapist, marking the first time in my life I've ever spoken about this with anyone, out loud or otherwise. Unfortunately he isn't really that knowledgeable on this subject (and admitted as such), but wow what a relief to FINALLY put at least some of my feelings into words! I felt like I was going to die choking on those feelings sooner rather than later, self inflicted or not. In a couple of weeks I'm scheduled to meet with another therapist who deals with gender issues and the like, so I can really begin. I know I haven't actually done anything yet, but I feel like I've gotten a boost of courage just by talking about it instead of stewing in it alone. In that spirit, I figured I'd try to immerse myself in the community and explore things that way. I'm very introverted, so I'm not terribly social by nature, but I'll do my best, and I look forward to getting along with everyone!
Thanks for your time! 🙂