Hi.  I finally decided to post because I found the sewing section and that's very exciting to me.  Learning to sew has been one of the best things I've done to help me feel more comfortable with myself.  I only wear men's clothing, but I'm 5'2 so most things are too big.  I mostly do alterations, but I'm starting to make clothes too.  It takes a huge time investment to learn, but it's worth it to not feel like I'm a kid wearing Daddy's clothes.

Anyway, I was never female identified but I didn't realize I was transgender until around 30 years old.  Many thanks to Julia Serano's book "Whipping Girl" for helping me figure that out.  I had an Ah-ha! moment the second time I read it. 

Now I'm pushing 40 and I've been on and off of testosterone for about four years.  I'm not out to my family or employer so I take T (at a low-ish dose) until I get to the point where strangers are mostly identifying me as male.  Then I freak out because I know I have to come out as trans if I keep taking T.  Then I stop for a while and the cycle repeats.

I've been lurking on Susan's Place for a while so it feels good to finally participate.  I've been donating since May and I encourage everyone else to donate too.  We really need this community.  Any amount helps.

Love,
Daniels -- not my real name, but the love is real

@Daniels   
Dear Daniels:
    Thank you for coming out of the "Lurker Zone" and writing your first posting telling everyone here some things about yourself....  NOW many members here on the forums will be aware of your arrival.

    This is the right place for you to be to find out what others have done regarding your transition journey that may have been in your circumstances and with your questions and concerns.
    There are a lot of members here that will be able to identify with your situation as you continue to feel free to share it.

    Please allow me to warmly WELCOME you to Susan's Place. 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.

    You can share with others and involve yourself with some give and take with other like-minded members.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....
     ***It's a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new friends here. 

    Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace.
I have included information about the site that will help you navigate around and best utilize the features here.   
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that all new members should be familiar with:

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)	Cautionary Note
Reputation rules	News posting & quoting guidelines	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy	Membership Agreement

@Daniels

Hi Daniels,

Welcome to Susans brave man, and good on you for supporting Susan's Place with contributions, that's very generous of you!

See you around!

Sonja.

Thank you both for replying.  I feel supported and welcomed.  See you around.

Hi Daniels 

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

Hugs

V M

Hey Daniels

Nice to meet you!
Coming out is huge and life-changing decision that can bring you a lot of happiness and pain. So, it's only up to you to decide if you ready or not.
I just wish you best in your jorney