Well well well, where to begin. I guess for starters I am a male. Was born that way and tend to be fairly masculine so to speak. Served in the military, like the outdoors, getting dirty, shooting guns, building things, and breaking stuff. In addition I am attracted to women, while sexual orientation and transgender are two different things from what I understand, I feel it is necessary to mention. In fact I feel my interest in females goes beyond that of the 'norm'. I have had urges, dreams, fantasies? not sure what to call them, but some sort of desire to physically become female. During my teenage years I merely dismissed these feelings as some sort of 'strange fetish'. However theses feelings of wanting to be female extended beyond mere sexual desires. At random times during the day I'd feelings of wanting to be female. In addition to these feelings I'd have feelings of extreme discomfort in my own body; for what ever reason I felt wrong, like something was off and I could never explain it.

Now here is the 'good' part. I am still male. Both physically and in appearance. I have a very strong desire to transition to becoming female. Of course there is a lot of doubt, concerns and questions. But I figure those are better saved for another post. I hope to be able find some answers here and maybe in due time, help those similar to me.

Hi, 3tac1!

Welcome to Susan's Place.

What you describe sounds very familiar.  It is definitely worth checking it out with a therapist to fill in details of who you are and what you want to do about it.

Here is some information that we like to share with new members:

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@3tac1
Dear 3tac1
    I am very happy to notice that you decided to join the Susan's Place site.

    I see that our lovely member @KathyLauren  has already welcomed you to Susan's Place.     

    Thank you for telling us a little about yourself... and as you get more involved in exchanging comments on various posts other members will be along to offer their thoughts and comments in response to any of your specific questions and concerns..

    This is the right place for you to be to find out what others may have to say 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.

    I also want 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.

    As you are certainly aware 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.
   
    There is information and important LINKS that  Kathy Lauren  included in her welcome message.  You will find 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

@3tac1

Welcome aboard!!!... you will likely observe a lot of us around here had, in many cases, a very very male, build stuff, shoot stuff, ride stuff, break stuff...blow stuff up past! ( I used to be a bomb tech 😃)... Anyway...don't allow that past to close your mind off from what may be answers to the questions and feelings you have had in the background for a lifetime... this exploration is best done with an open heart, an open mind and a whole lot of being honest with yourself...

You may want to read this and see if you see any of yourself in the "Group 3" descriptions...

http://www.avitale.com/developmentalreview.htm

Many of us here did!... A gender therapist is a great way to start looking at things as well...  All good things to you as you explore the road ahead!...You are amongst friends here!!!

Onward we go...

Ashley 🙋‍♀️💕🌸

3tac1,

Welcome!


Chrissy

Hi 3tac1 

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

Hugs

V M

Hi 3tac1,

Like everyone says, a gender therapist is the way to go.

Totally relate to the attraction towards women. I always have been attracted, and transitioning has not changed that one bit.

Welcome.

~Dee.

Hi, Yes the pretty woman in the picture used to be a bomb tech - Ashley.  IKR ??  I am 6'2" and definitely looked like a guy - see my pics in the before and after topic.

Guess what??  Never have been with a guy, never even thought about it - zero.

As you point out gender does not = sexual orientation.

I played almost every sport - threw 2 no hitters and a perfect game as a kid.  Never was into shooting or breaking stuff LOL.  But snowmobiled and did all kinds of other 'guy' things.

Here's the thing - I always knew I wished I was female.  Even though I was attracted to them.  It is very common among transgender people.  I have friends that are still married to their wives after transitioning.  I am sure there are some on this forum.

As everyone has suggested and I will too - see a gender therapist.  Not because you need to be 'cured' but rather so that you can find yourself. 

Read my signature line at the bottom.
Glad you are here.

PS That link was great Ashley.  We should all just read that and we would be done here.

Hi and welcome.  As others have said, many of us had the same interests and hobbies as you.  And some of still do, although we may do them a little differently now days.  Glad you joined and feel free to ask, explore, and contribute as you see fit.

Hi @3taci, welcome to Susan's Place. I recently came out MtF and have found this forum to be helpful and a way to safely  tell my story, explore ideas, and to realize there are many people like me who in their 50s or later are coming to terms with their self-identity. I hope you find the forum helpul while you embark on your journey. zoey