Dumelang!

My name is Anil, from Johannesburg, South Africa.  I was born in a woman's body, and came out as a man two months ago, at the age of 46 (so you can see that for me, denial has been a very long river).  Thus far, I have only come out to myself and to my partner.  The reason I am being cautious is because, firstly, I have small children, who would have trouble understanding why Mama is suddenly a man, and secondly, while my country has very progressive laws protecting gender rights, it is still a very conservative society, where people who differ from the societal norm risk being ridiculed, ostracized or even physically attacked. 

So I have very, very grateful to find an on-line resource like this, where I can be open and connect with other people who understand.  I'm looking forward to learning a lot.

Take care,
Anil

Hi Anil:

I am MTF and have been denial for 62 years.  Its has been a very long path for both of us.  The beauty of this site is that it rips away the loneliness that we have all been forced to live with. 

I have felt the tremendous warmth and support ever since I finally started posting on here a few months ago.

Congratulations and best wishes as you come to be who you are.

Warm regards,

Emma

Hi Anil 

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

Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that we offer to all new members to help them along

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

Hugs

V M

@Anil
Dear Anili:
I want to  thank you for recently joining Susan's Place and coming here to share information about yourself in your post.. 
Also, please know that you are always welcome here.  Many of our members will now be aware of your arrival to the Forums and will be able to share with you, and you with them regarding your questions and comments.

I see that you have already been Officially Welcomed to Susan's Place
by our lovely member  @V M ...
 
Please also allow me to also give your a warm Welcome to Susan's Place.
I am thinking that you may have a lot more questions and concerns, this is the right place for you to be to find out what others have done that may have been in your circumstances.  Be aware that there are many members here that can identify with your concerns and questions.
 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others  and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here on the Forums 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. 

In her Welcome Message  V M included Important LINKS that will tell you about Susan's Place.  Included there is 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.   

Please don't be a stranger, we want to share postings and thoughts with you.

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

@Anil
Oh, and another thing Anil:

NOTE: I would like you to click th following LINK and go to the Introductions Forum to tell more members about yourself so you can have more interaction and be able to find like-minded members.

Best Wishes, and once more, Welcome to Susan's Place:
Danielle

So glad to be here!

Thanks so much, everyone, for the warm welcome.  It really makes a difference to feel that I am in contact with other people who understand me.  I have been feeling very isolated, and at present the only person I can speak to is my partner.  He is exceptionally understanding (we have been together for 17 years, and when I suddenly told him I was actually a man inside, he said he loved me more!), but I don't want to wear him down by constantly talking about my issues.

Most of the time I feel incredibly happy and grateful that I am finally being honest with myself, and all the pretending is over.   But it is very good to know that when I am dealing with difficult situations and emotions, others have walked this path before me, and I can learn from their experiences.

Take care
Anil

Welcome Anil!
Congratulations on having the strength to overcome your denial and begin exploring your true self! It is both exciting and terrifying at times. The fact that you are here and opening up, shows that you have the courage to get through this!

I can relate to you with having young children and having to explain to them what is going on. I have three. The one benefit to this, is that young children are very resilient and are at the stage where Mom and Dad are their heroes. They are pretty good with taking you at your word and trust that what you are telling them is the truth. Having kids who grow up with a good world view on Transgender individuals will be something that will aid the acceptance we receive!

I'm glad to hear your husband responded well to the news. Having a supportive spouse is a major help!

Lacy

Thanks so much, Lacy, that is very encouraging. 

My husband has been very creative in introducing my new name and new clothes in a fun way that the children can relate to (we had some "dress up days" when he wore my clothes, I wore his, and they dressed up as Moana, and now they just accept that its normal for me to be in men's clothing).  When they are a bit older we will start discussions on gender identity. 

I have also come out to my best friend, and have made contact with a local gay rights organization that also deals with trans issues, so I am getting there.

Take care
Anil

Just wanted to say Hi And Welcome!

I agree in what you said is very encouraging. I am Ftm, currently been on this journey for 8 years however only 4 people in my life know because I am stealth with this part of my life. My parents, best friend and my partner are the only ones that I've opened up to. I know it's tough on a journey like this, this site is amazing though in giving you people to talk to and lots of support.

Take care Anil