Thanks Ashley for your kind words of encouragement. It's good that you can sense my direction & movement forward. I couldn't even see it myself until a couple of months ago. your message reminded me of a profile update i put on another site a couple of months ago
"I originally listed myself as a crossdresser on here, when I commenced going out as Stephanie, but having lost a stone and a half in weight, and having consciously started growing my hair out, both motivated solely by wishing to be more feminine. I had a "the penny dropped" moment when reading/researching recently. Whilst I in my mind, was trying to figure out my next step, I've already taken it, I've begun the process of Transitioning, this has made way to acceptance, and I now identify myself as being transsexual and will be looking to continue down this path. Updates to follow."
as you say a long journey ahead, & it's nice knowing I have friends here, but it's a journey i've started x