I had the realization the other day that I might be a woman. I don't know where to start or that to read or do.  Does anyone have any advice?  I'm even scared I might use the wrong terminology.  Help.

Start by reading everything you can on this forum.  This forum is one of the best resources on the web.

Take your time with this.  Don't be in any kind of a rush.

Once you are sufficiently informed, then you can start making decisions regarding dressing, therapy, hormones and surgery.  Or do nothing at all.  You can decide what is right for you.

But for now, read and learn.

Hi Firefox 🙋‍♀️ Welcome to Susan's!  I'm Jessica.  I've been in your shoes and sometimes I still am.  There are many here and their collective experiences help all who ask.  I see your new here so I'll post some links to help you get acquainted with the site.

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Thank you. I have read most of that already.  I guess I just don't know where to start to research this all being so new, kinda.  Looking back there was a lot of hints and signs. 

Hi hon,

Let's start with the (hug) because that's the best thing right now, and what ever the future holds, it's going to be ok. Tell yourself that a thousand times, because what ever happens it's going to be ok.

Feel free to ask questions, join in make a joke or two, and have some fun. What ever happens, it's going to be ok.

Now breathe - we've all been there. It is ok.

(hugs)


Rowan

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to find a therapist who has experience with trans patients. In the US you can search Psycology Today's website for licensed therapists in your area.

A good therapist can help you explore your feelings. They will ask you to explore those feelings. If you are open to it, you may find so much more in your past than you realized. No matter what direction you decide for your future, therapy can be extremely helpful. It only works if you are fully open to it and willing to take a hard look at who you are and what you want in life.

The one thing I can say is that this life goes by too quickly and everyone deserves to be happy in their own life.

Therapy is an option.  For now I need to keep everything close to the chest.  I know people at my work would never understand and I'm not in a place for a career change. I guess I just need to research. Do what I can, try what I can.  Also I am very lucky I have two close female friends that I've opened up too that I can talk to and get help if needed.

You said you want to do research, so I'm hoping to help you focus those efforts a little.  I guess the question is, what are you looking for, specifically?

1.  More information about "am I or am I not?"

2.  Information about therapy in your area, support groups, etc.?

3.  Help with some kind of limited transition (insofar as you do not want to come fully out at work) i.e., help with going on hormones/hiding the effects of hormones at work, dressing at home, safe places to be out as yourself, etc.?

4.  Obviously surgery of any kind is off the table if you never plan to be fully out at work, so I won't bother discussing those kind of resources.

There are no rules about transitioning.  You can do as much or as little as you want, or nothing at all.  The time table is yours to control.

Information about all of the above and far, far more is available right here in Susans, particularly in the Wiki section, which can be found here:  https://www.susans.org/wiki/Main_Page

Welcome to Susan's Place. Sooner or latter a gender therapist will be a big help and while this site may be come your greatest resource, there is a lot of stuff to read. I have two places for you to start looking. The first is our WIKI where you may be able to put a name on what you feel. The second is "the transition channel" where you can explore your feelings by responding to a series of questions. If you have questions, feel free to ask them as the people here are willing to help however they can.

Thanks everyone.  I have a lot to read and watch it seems.

Quote from: Firefoxrising on January 07, 2018, 11:14:45 PM
I had the realization the other day that I might be a woman. I don't know where to start or that to read or do.  Does anyone have any advice?  I'm even scared I might use the wrong terminology.  Help.

Seek a therapist. And read many of the stuff. And google and read alot.