Seeing everyone with their blog and telling their story as it happened and reading questions here and elsewhere made me realize just how much of a cycle this is. So I guess it would be good to share some fun stories about when I was transitioning and bring it up to the present and just continue on.

I was working for a University in Washington D.C. when I was transitioning. Flash back to 2009. I saw a video on YouTube. This one:
I don't even know how I found the video and I broke down crying. Up until this point I had no idea that this was possible. Not just the voice but the face and everything. Kids today are so blessed to have all this information at their finger tips. For me it was like Papillon. escaping the prison island.

I found the site Laura's Playground. They had resources and I found a therapist Dr. Eleanor Criswell, PhD. I scheduled a appointment for after work. I was too scared to walk through the door. I was afraid. She found me out in the hall and got me inside and I started the process. I'm not sure exactly what month this was. The was probably around September or October. At December I worked up the courage to tell her I wanted to start HRT and move onto the next step. So gave me a recommendation for an endocrinologist in D.C. who was walking distance from where I worked.

I was able to slip out for a late lunch and do my appointment and then head back into work. Anyways before then my parents where visiting me for Christmas. My Mom somehow (hardcore snooping ) found my therapists letter of recommendation to start HRT. She took it and then when it was just her and I in the car she tried to talk me out of it. She was worried I would regret transitioning, that I would end up a guy in a woman's body. I couldn't help but laugh exclaiming that it is exactly the opposite way right now and if that is such a concern then she should be supportive. That fell on deaf ears. She must have thought that was the end of it because when she wa s gone I realized she kept the letter.

I had to go back to my therapist afraid that I wouldn't be able to get another one and explain what happened. Thank God my therapist didn't see it as me having cold feet and being indecisive. I was able to get another letter and get started on HRT about a month later after the wait for the appointment date.

Right around May 2010 I was four months in. It was a strange in between time for me. My Mom didn't say anything about it but we all went to Italy for two weeks. It was an amazing trip. The entire time though I had my Estradiol pills on my person though deathly afraid that she would try to find them in my things and steal them like the letter. Picture me sleeping in bed with a death grip on them under the covers.

This is one of the photos of me standing in front of one of the victory arches near Rome.

Thanks for sharing!
I vaguely remember Laura's Playground. 

The next four months blew by like a blur.

I started voice feminization training at George Washington University. I was able to take a hour from work and then work late and walk to my sessions.

I also found the MAGIC support group and a support group in Baltimore but I don't remember the name of that group. That was a great group of people and the first time I went out of the house in a female role even though at this point I was not passable.

This was around July 2010 in my make shift office from a recording booth where I worked.


This picture I snapped while out at lunch. This was the first day I got ma'am'ed at lunch. I accidentally slid into the female voice training because it was starting to get to be habit and I guess my face was borderline. I didn't see it at the time and obviously my boss and coworker didn't either because they laughed and said, "no he's just a rocker". It was a mix of euphoria that I unintentionally passed and fear of oh no what do I do now. Incidentally at this point I was a 36B and I had to wear a sports bra to keep from having an obvious chest. I was also starting to have effects on the hips and waist so I had to wear looser fitting clothes to conceal it. To my eyes at the time I didn't think I was ready to go full time.

(Edit: if anyone is wondering that is a mind the gap hat from England.)


This is a closer photo from the same month probably a few days or a week later at the most. Looking at it you can see the sports bra is having a hard time. This was right before I went down to Jeckle Island for the Fourth of July and visited with my sisters and parents. It was at this point that my Mom actually reached over and physically checked and exclaimed "you're wearing a bra and omg are you doing that HRT thing?!" She asked me not to tell my sisters or dad and wanted to join me for a therapy session. I don't remember exactly how it was handled but recall a phone call with her while I was in session or my therapist and my Mom was in denial. It was probably the most trying time. My therapist asked me if I was thinking about stopping because my Mom didn't approve while my Mom was on the phone and I flat out told my mom if I have to choose between transitioning or maintaining a relationship with my parents it would be transitioning but please don't make me choose.

All the junk in this photo was my Mom's cousin that I was close to storing things in my basement. I needed money for voice training and therapy so it enabled me to make a few extra bucks.


This next photo is 8 months in. I just got back from a laser session and one of my friends I met from Magic was over. I don't remember what she said but it was one of those moments where you look at them and cannot keep a straight face before bursting out laughing. I needed a laugh at that point though because it was hard. Sitting at the hair removal place with other woman and not being brave enough to go out in fem so I'm trying to figure out a preset to be there until I can slink into the room to have the laser done. Thankfully the people there where great.

Quote from: Lori Dee on December 07, 2024, 11:22:38 PMThanks for sharing!
I vaguely remember Laura's Playground. 

Yeah I spent a lot of time on there. There where people I used to Skype with and practice my female voice with from other parts of the country. They where older and a little further ahead of me so I would pick their brains on how to manage. Then there where other people younger then me on the site that just looked amazing. I remember hoping I would end up lucky like them.

Heck I remember all the way back in Middle school in gym sitting in the class group and seeing how the guys where starting to develop chins, giant shoulders and hands and praying to god not to do that to me. I avoided weight training and got into track and field. Anything to keep me as slim as possible and avoid bulking up. So I guess it wasn't anything new. But seeing others on the site already living it and getting to be a fly on the wall and read about how they transitioned really helped. It made it more real and helped me keep from giving up in the first few months.

October 2010 month 9

I wasn't sure if I passed completely so I had this hair brained idea to post a profile up on a dating site and see what responses I got. I was prepared for nasty hate messages but instead I got flooded with a bunch of interested men. Some really cute ones too. It was a major confidence booster. I told my therapist about it and she asked me if I thought I was ready to go full time.

I was nervous and excited and blurted out yes. I was still nervous stepping out into the unknown. I contacted HR and they had someone for me to talk to and she arranged the meeting for me. I had my notes typed up and in one of the classrooms we had in the MPR building I squeaked through my announcement. After it was done though what a weight off my shoulders.

I was still taking my voice training classes twice a week but now I didn't have to go in there in mens clothes and feel like I was being stared at.

I took this picture at my place right after starting my full time 1 year trial and coming out at work. This was right around the time I had my first therapy session after going full time and my therapist said, "I'm interested to know how your first week of full time went but you're absolutely glowing today."


My endocrinologist bumped my estrogen levels up another notch.

November 2010 Month 10
First month of full time completed. I went down to visit my parents for Thanksgiving. My grandparents on my Dad's side visited too along with my sisters.

This trip climaxed with after lunch getting shanghaied to go to a group therapy session with my Parents and sisters. (This was in Fulton County Georgia) The therapist was one of those quacks who thinks being trans is a choice and a sin and I was going to go to hell. I asked him what made him so confident to proclaim judgment as a sinner himself and flat out told him that I am not concerned about what he thinks. It ended with my middle sister telling me it isn't fair to her because now she thinks she wouldn't be able to get a husband because of me. My voice was passable at this point and the therapist's assistant didn't even think I was the trans sister in the group. That honor went to my youngest sister who got upset when she realized that balling about it being me not her.

So my youngest sister who is a sweet heart is in the room crying because now she feels inadequate. I'm trying to reassure her. My middle sister is being a see you next Tuesday and I'm fuming at my parents and ready to just hop in my car and leave the moment we get back to my parents place and I can grab my things. I called my therapist in tears and she said stay there for the night, get calm and then leave in the morning so the trip home can be safe. I ended up leaving at 5am before my parents woke up and just rolled out.

My mom called my therapist that day when she found I had left and told her that when I visited I had presented as a guy trying to have my full time 1 year trial (I really hate the gate keeping but at least my therapist was fair and saw through this) end in a failure. She thought by doing this I would stop being trans if I couldn't get SRS. Thankfully my therapist had already gotten the notes from the other therapist which clearly stated the events. From what I understand my therapist talked with my Mom during that call and explained to her more about gender dysphoria and because she had permission at that time and I had not revoked it yet she shared how I was doing with my Mom. As horrible as the call started out I think this was the turning point for her.

When I got home I called my Mom and told her how much she embarrassed me and if she wanted to have anything to do with me going forward she would have to stop this behavior or I would never speak to any of them ever again. I guess my Mom was too afraid to mention that to me that she had tried to sabotage my full time trial to qualify for SRS but she did apologize and admit that she had called my therapist and said she was setting up another appoint to talk with her more and she had called my therapist to discuss "things". She actually started reading up on the condition around this point.

When I saw my therapist she mentioned to me my Mom calling and that was when I found out she tried to sabotage it. That would have been it, the line had my therapist not mentioned also that she spoke with her and that my Mom was coming around. I guess it took the prospect of losing me to get her to really try to understand. Incidentally I inherited my stubbornness from her so yeah.

Great pics, Nat! You are beautiful.

With me, my parents never came around, except that after two years they finally called me by my legal name "LORI". My brother told me that I was "an abomination in the eyes of God." I told him that I understood his feelings, but he had no authority to speak on behalf of God, and the reason he was upset was that he knows nothing about the subject. We haven't spoken since.

I hope your Mom continues to learn and become supportive. That would be awesome.

Thank you for sharing your journey—it's truly inspiring to see the confidence and joy you're expressing. Your photos show such a vibrant and authentic version of yourself. You look amazing!

Quote(This was in Fulton County Georgia) The therapist was one of those quacks who thinks being trans is a choice and a sin and I was going to go to hell. I asked him what made him so confident to proclaim judgment as a sinner himself and flat out told him that I am not concerned about what he thinks.

These people error because they don't know how to interpret scriptures. My understanding of Christianity, and my duty as a Christian is to confess the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, have faith that he will resurrect me from physical death in the last day, and to spread the gospel.

I am of the opinion that concerning salvation and damnation, only the Father knows anyone's fate, because he knows everyone's heart.

Quote from: Lori Dee on December 08, 2024, 04:13:46 PMGreat pics, Nat! You are beautiful.

With me, my parents never came around, except that after two years they finally called me by my legal name "LORI". My brother told me that I was "an abomination in the eyes of God." I told him that I understood his feelings, but he had no authority to speak on behalf of God, and the reason he was upset was that he knows nothing about the subject. We haven't spoken since.

I hope your Mom continues to learn and become supportive. That would be awesome.

Thanks. I'm older now but I'm doing ok. I look younger than both of my sisters. Not sure how that happened but not going to argue.

She really only came around until after the SRS procedure. For years she dead named and misgendered me but she was trying. She's pretty good about it now. I'll get more of typed up later this evening to get caught up on events.

I'm sorry you're not on speaking terms with your brother. I'm barely on speaking terms with my middle sister but my youngest sister who has been through the most is a great person and we are close.

I don't generally bother to listen to people that would judge me. They are small minded and don't have a clue. Not worth the energy.

@NatalieRene
Dear NatalieRene:
I am thrilled to see that you have returned to the Forum after your long absence.
I a very glad that you have started you newest and latest Blog thread "Natalie's Illiad"
and are posting your newest updates and photos.  I am eagerly reading everything that you have
posted since your return last month and I will be following your future postings with interest.

Your presence and your recent login is very nice for me see as I am always glad when I see returning members.
You may be aware that the Susan's Place site experienced an unfortunate crash on January 1st this year and much
data was lost including member accounts, postings, private messaging, etc.

Through what seemed to be endless work, our staff has done a great job in piecing things
together again to very quickly have a fully operation site even though much of the lost
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Some things have changed here on the Forum since you were last here... you should
read a couple announcements that were posted after the crash:

                  The New Years Outage and our Lost years
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... and be certain to read the revised and updated Terms of Service rules for the site.
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You can review the new TOS here: 
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cc: @Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Sarah B  @Lori Dee

Quote from: Lilis on December 08, 2024, 04:30:20 PMThank you for sharing your journey—it's truly inspiring to see the confidence and joy you're expressing. Your photos show such a vibrant and authentic version of yourself. You look amazing!
These people error because they don't know how to interpret scriptures. My understanding of Christianity, and my duty as a Christian is to confess the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, have faith that he will resurrect me from physical death in the last day, and to spread the gospel.

I am of the opinion that concerning salvation and damnation, only the Father knows anyone's fate, because he knows everyone's heart.

It looks like based on your signature you have been on HRT for about six months? How are things going for you?

I feel like I got lucky. My endocrinologist said I was responding really well to the hormones. I never even needed a testosterone blocker the estrogen was enough to suppress it.

December 2010 Month 11

Month 3 of full time

I stayed home for Christmas this year. Around this time I met a guy he was so cute and he liked me a lot. I was too scared to fess up to him that I was trans though it took three dates and then I let him know. He didn't flip out and we made it to second base before his phone rang and he was trying to hide who it was. When he went to the bath room to get freshened up I went through his jacket pockets and found a note from his wife! I used a small screw driver to open the bathroom door and found him texting on his phone and threw him out.

It was validating that he accepted me but I'll be darned if I am going to be the other woman. I felt very naive for not realizing he was a cheater sooner.



January 2011 1 year on hormones 4 months full time

I was settled into a routine at this point. Going to support groups. Friends in the evenings to go hang out with. I was actually starting to feel normal.

I got passed up for a promotion at work and I was feeling rejected so I started looking for a new job. I was the head programmer there and knew more of the process then anyone so why was I passed over for the literal new guy.

A friend of mine was working in the State Department down the street and I was telling her about a interview I had coming up and that I was nervous about it. She said just go to the interview. Don't worry about if you get the job or not. Just go and consider the interview practice.

I wish I got a photo but I had this great heather grey pencil skirt and woman blazer with a white and black blouse to wear under it and a matching grey 1" pump and my hair in a French twist. I wore it to my interview and got a new job.

I was living in a town house and my neighbor friends who knew me saw me walking into my place after I got back from the interview. The next day they where asking about my visitor and that they never saw her leave overnight. So I'm thinking woah, they are keeping tabs on me that much. That's a little strange. But then they where like I guess you are interested in guys and ladies so we think it's fine but just wanted to say she was very pretty.

I was confused and said I didn't have anyone over yesterday. I got back from my interview yesterday, came home relaxed and then went to sleep.

They where like, that was you in the grey outfit yesterday?

So I passed even to people that saw me every day coming and going and they thought I was some cis woman that came over. That really made my day. It's funny because during the interview the interviewer was going over the benefits package and she mentioned the benefits for maternity leave which was never discussed with me in either of my previous jobs interview process. So I passed with flying colors on both counts. I was literally over the moon.

I was talking to my therapist about this and she commented to me that I was looking very natural. We talked about how I was doing.

Quote from: NatalieRene on December 08, 2024, 06:51:47 PMIt looks like based on your signature you have been on HRT for about six months? How are things going for you?

Yeah, in two more days, it'll be exactly six months on HRT—oh God, time flies! I feel like the only obstacles in my journey have been the ones I've placed on myself.

My parents are older, still happily together after 50+ years, retired, and enjoying their lives traveling around the world. I separated from my ex, the mother of my son, in 2017. Since then, I've been focusing on work, building a healthy relationship with my son, and prioritizing my own well-being.

Overall, I'm really happy with the progress I've seen so far. I've noticed softer skin, better fat distribution, a curvier body, healthier nails and hair, and some breast growth. On top of that, I've been meeting new people—back in September, I joined my local LGBTQA+ center, and it's been wonderful connecting with others.

When I read about your fear when going to see your therapist, I couldn't help but laugh a little—not in a bad way, but because it resonated with me. For me, that moment of fear came when I went to see the doctor for my first HRT prescription. I almost turned back and left the area entirely! Somehow, though, I found the courage to walk into her office, and I've been so grateful ever since.

Quote from: NatalieRene on December 08, 2024, 06:51:47 PMI feel like I got lucky. My endocrinologist said I was responding really well to the hormones. I never even needed a testosterone blocker the estrogen was enough to suppress it.

I can totally see it in your pictures—you're doing amazing! Oh, I envy you—in the best way possible! Those darn Spiro tablets, I hate them, and I am taking them, two times (2X) a day.

Quote from: Lilis on December 08, 2024, 10:25:04 PMYeah, in two more days, it'll be exactly six months on HRT—oh God, time flies! I feel like the only obstacles in my journey have been the ones I've placed on myself.

My parents are older, still happily together after 50+ years, retired, and enjoying their lives traveling around the world. I separated from my ex, the mother of my son, in 2017. Since then, I've been focusing on work, building a healthy relationship with my son, and prioritizing my own well-being.

Overall, I'm really happy with the progress I've seen so far. I've noticed softer skin, better fat distribution, a curvier body, healthier nails and hair, and some breast growth. On top of that, I've been meeting new people—back in September, I joined my local LGBTQA+ center, and it's been wonderful connecting with others.

When I read about your fear when going to see your therapist, I couldn't help but laugh a little—not in a bad way, but because it resonated with me. For me, that moment of fear came when I went to see the doctor for my first HRT prescription. I almost turned back and left the area entirely! Somehow, though, I found the courage to walk into her office, and I've been so grateful ever since.
I can totally see it in your pictures—you're doing amazing! Oh, I envy you—in the best way possible! Those darn Spiro tablets, I hate them, and I am taking them, two times (2X) a day.

You are so lucky to have kids. I wish I could have. I went to have my sperm frozen before I started HRT. I found out that I was shooting blanks. So even if I had not transitioned or found a surrogate I would never have been able to have a kid of my own. It was a massive blow to me.

My parents still work although my dad has slowed down a bit.

Unfortunately most trans people seem to get separated and divorced when transitioning. I guess I was spared that pain because I just don't function well enough as a guy to put myself out there. One of my friends I knew while transitioning though ended up getting divorced and having to fight to maintain joint custody because her wife didn't approve. On top of that she lost her long time job that she had been highly successful at. It was really eye opening to see just how bad people treat trans people that cannot pass. I felt guilty because I was doing so well while her life was crumbling. Thankfully though she found new work, a place to stay, more friends and was able to keep joint custody. But still in my eyes she was super brave and courageous.

It's funny the doctor for hrt was easy. No one in the waiting room knew and heck with it I was already in for a penny in for a pound. He told me don't expect much from the breast department. Then by December I outgrew my 36B cups and had to buy 36C bras because I was spilling out and the sports bras were crushing me. He told me my development was beyond expectations in that department.

I don't know much about spiro. Are there issues with taking it that makes it bad?

Quote from: Lilis on December 08, 2024, 10:25:04 PMThose darn Spiro tablets, I hate them, and I am taking them, two times (2X) a day.

Quote from: NatalieRene on December 08, 2024, 11:07:18 PMI don't know much about spiro. Are there issues with taking it that makes it bad?

I was on Spiro for years but it didn't help. It is designed to be a diuretic (makes you pee a lot). The side effect is that it counteracts testosterone. My doctors switched me to leuprolide (Eligard) injections every 3 months. BIG difference.

Spiro and its slightly stronger counterpart, Finasteride, affect the 5a-reductase enzyme which affects all hormones, including estradiol, progesterone, T, and E. The leuprolide only targets testosterone production. Your body still will convert estrogen to testosterone because it uses it for other things like making cholesterol. Then they added Bicalutamide (Casodex) which has no hormonal activity. It only blocks the androgen receptors. So even though your body is converting E to T, the T has no effect while it is waiting to get converted to something else.

This combination of drugs is a form of chemical castration used for some types of cancer. They work in shutting down the effects of testosterone. Testosterone is much more powerful than estrogen, so a little can counteract what E you are getting. The problem is that these drugs are expensive, so many providers don't prescribe them.

If you can afford it, ask for Eligard (leuprolide) injections and Casodex (Bicalutamide) tablets instead of Spiro. I get my meds through the VA, and as a disabled veteran, my copay is low. So totally worth it to get the stuff that is designed for the purpose versus using a water pill off-label.

Just my two cents worth.

Quote from: NatalieRene on December 08, 2024, 11:07:18 PMYou are so lucky to have kids. I wish I could have. I went to have my sperm frozen before I started HRT. I found out that I was shooting blanks. So even if I had not transitioned or found a surrogate I would never have been able to have a kid of my own. It was a massive blow to me.

I understand that feeling all too well. I was told I was shooting blanks for years, and then, against all odds, my son came along. He's our only child, and he's brought indescribable joy to both our lives. I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience, it's such a difficult thing to go through. I hope you find comfort in knowing there are so many wonderful ways to create a family these days.

QuoteMy parents still work although my dad has slowed down a bit.

Unfortunately most trans people seem to get separated and divorced when transitioning. I guess I was spared that pain because I just don't function well enough as a guy to put myself out there. One of my friends I knew while transitioning though ended up getting divorced and having to fight to maintain joint custody because her wife didn't approve. On top of that she lost her long time job that she had been highly successful at. It was really eye opening to see just how bad people treat trans people that cannot pass. I felt guilty because I was doing so well while her life was crumbling. Thankfully though she found new work, a place to stay, more friends and was able to keep joint custody. But still in my eyes she was super brave and courageous.

It's funny the doctor for her was easy. No one in the waiting room knew and heck with it I was already in for a penny in for a pound. He told me don't expect much from the breast department. Then by December I outgrew my 36B cups and had to buy 36C bras because I was spilling out and the sports bras were crushing me. He told me my development was beyond expectations in that department.

It's heartbreaking to hear what your friend went through, but it sounds that she is like a resilient and determined person.

Nice, yeah I hear it every time around in forums like these that everyone experience is different, and some are better than others. Good for you.

QuoteI don't know much about spiro. Are there issues with taking it that makes it bad?

@Lori Dee  thanks, yeah what Lori wrote. But on a more personal level, I have to watch my potassium intake. I am perfectly healthy but my doctor said to try to keep my daily potassium intake under RDA for potassium for adults, which is 2,600-3,400 mg per day. So dietary adjustments basically, and peeing excessively.

But enough about me, this is your 'about you' new lovely blog, thanks for having me on these pages, and I wholeheartedly apologize for high jacking your thread. ❤️❣️

Hi Natalie

I have a similar story to yours as you mentioned:

Quote from: NatalieRene on December 07, 2024, 10:04:56 PMI don't even know how I found the video and I broke down crying. Up until this point I had no idea that this was possible. Not just the voice but the face and everything. Kids today are so blessed to have all this information at their finger tips. For me it was like Papillon. escaping the prison island.

Like you I did not know that it was possible to live my life as a female.  During my twenties, I was constantly wanting or longing to be a female and to make the situation even worse, there was no internet around at the time, like they do today. 

With luck or fate I came across a men's magazine, I say it was a playboy issue, I'm not sure, anyway in the magazine was an article about 'transsexuals'.  This was just one point that finally led me to changing my life around when I was 30.

When I left my family, friends, and former way of life, I broke down and cried, alone in a motel.  I cried for leaving those I cared for behind, for the profound meaning of the journey ahead, from sheer happiness of what I was going to do.  Maybe I cried because I was a female!  Or the weight that had been lifted of my shoulders.  At that moment, I didn't fully realize I would never return to my old life.  Even my uncle and aunt, who knew about me, didn't know that I was not coming back, well for a couple of years at least.

As for Laura's Playground it was one of the sites I happened to visit when I became aware of the resources available on the web.  This was something like 20 odd years after having surgery.

As for your mum interferring:

Quote from: NatalieRene on December 07, 2024, 11:45:28 PMMy therapist asked me if I was thinking about stopping because my Mom didn't approve while my Mom was on the phone and I flat out told my mom if I have to choose between transitioning or maintaining a relationship with my parents it would be transitioning but please don't make me choose.

I never had that problem, when I left my previous life behind I travelled over 4,000km to a city called Sydney where the resources that I needed were there.  My family eventually found out about me when my uncle who knew what I was doing told my mum.  So interference was not possible and when my surgery day approached my uncle who knew wanted to be with me, when it happened.

However, due circumstances and I did not want him or anyone to interfere with what I was going to do, was at the back of my mind.  None of my family was present when I had my surgery.  My family loves me and accepts me unconditionally.

As for being younger:

Quote from: NatalieRene on December 08, 2024, 04:53:33 PMThanks. I'm older now but I'm doing ok. I look younger than both of my sisters. Not sure how that happened but not going to argue.

I was in my early forties and still at university, I was talking to a female colleague and age came up.  She thought I was in my late twenties or early thirties.  I said no, I was in my forties, she did not believe it and I had to show her my driving license.  People tend to peg me as being 10 years younger.  I thought it was down to genetics, as my grandmother had a beautiful skin.  However, I think it is down to the hormones that we take that certainly makes us look younger than we are.

I have certainly enjoyed reading your past and present posts and as I say when I welcome new members; "I like reading members stories as I'm sure I will learn something new".

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

Quote from: Lilis on December 09, 2024, 01:09:30 AMI understand that feeling all too well. I was told I was shooting blanks for years, and then, against all odds, my son came along. He's our only child, and he's brought indescribable joy to both our lives. I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience, it's such a difficult thing to go through. I hope you find comfort in knowing there are so many wonderful ways to create a family these days.
It's heartbreaking to hear what your friend went through, but it sounds that she is like a resilient and determined person.

I have been thinking about it. Thankfully I'm back in Virginia where it's not quite so transphobic as Texas. I'm wondering if I could qualify to adopt a child from a foster home.

Quote from: Lilis on December 09, 2024, 01:09:30 AM@Lori Dee  thanks, yeah what Lori wrote. But on a more personal level, I have to watch my potassium intake. I am perfectly healthy but my doctor said to try to keep my daily potassium intake under RDA for potassium for adults, which is 2,600-3,400 mg per day. So dietary adjustments basically, and peeing excessively.

But enough about me, this is your 'about you' new lovely blog, thanks for having me on these pages, and I wholeheartedly apologize for high jacking your thread. ❤️❣️

I guess I lucked out not having to take it.

Quote from: Sarah B on December 09, 2024, 02:06:17 AMHi NatalieI never had that problem, when I left my previous life behind I travelled over 4,000km to a city called Sydney where the resources that I needed were there.  My family eventually found out about me when my uncle who knew what I was doing told my mum.  So interference was not possible and when my surgery day approached my uncle who knew wanted to be with me, when it happened.

However, due circumstances and I did not want him or anyone to interfere with what I was going to do, was at the back of my mind.  None of my family was present when I had my surgery.  My family loves me and accepts me unconditionally.

I really didn't have a life to leave. I lived in Virginia at the time and my parents and sisters where all down in Georgia. I had no significant other and no friends. Nothing was going to get in my way but I didn't want to cut ties if I didn't have to. Although I was very temped more then a few times.

Quote from: Sarah B on December 09, 2024, 02:06:17 AMAs for being younger:

I was in my early forties and still at university, I was talking to a female colleague and age came up.  She thought I was in my late twenties or early thirties.  I said no, I was in my forties, she did not believe it and I had to show her my driving license.  People tend to peg me as being 10 years younger.  I thought it was down to genetics, as my grandmother had a beautiful skin.  However, I think it is down to the hormones that we take that certainly makes us look younger than we are.

I have certainly enjoyed reading your past and present posts and as I say when I welcome new members; "I like reading members stories as I'm sure I will learn something new".

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

I couldn't get into a rated R movie without being carded and at the time I was just under 29 years old.The biggest tell for my age now is my hair if I go too long between colorings.

Hi Natalie

You said:

Quote from: NatalieRene on December 09, 2024, 02:29:32 PMI really didn't have a life to leave. I lived in Virginia at the time and my parents and sisters where all down in Georgia. I had no significant other and no friends. Nothing was going to get in my way but I didn't want to cut ties if I didn't have to. Although I was very temped more then a few times.

I did not have a significant other, and although I led a fulfilling life with friends, I often felt alone. Despite being quiet, reserved, and shy, there was always something missing.  Eventually, I decided to leave because I was well known in my town, largely due to my swimming achievements and my mother was also well known.  I left mainly because I cared deeply for my family and friends and didn't want them to face any consequences from the decisions I was about to make.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@NatalieRene

Quote from: Sarah B on December 09, 2024, 04:08:11 PMHi Natalie

You said:

I did not have a significant other, and although I led a fulfilling life with friends, I often felt alone. Despite being quiet, reserved, and shy, there was always something missing.  Eventually, I decided to leave because I was well known in my town, largely due to my swimming achievements and my mother was also well known.  I left mainly because I cared deeply for my family and friends and didn't want them to face any consequences from the decisions I was about to make."

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@NatalieRene

Oh yeah I get that. I got a taste of that the few times I went to church with my parents on Sundays while visiting. Everyone I knew through high school and TEC were there. Everyone was polite and everyone was quick to keep their distance. Although it has been easier after the first few years as people move on and I simply blend into the crowd more.

Flashing back to August 2010. I was at Leesburg shopping at an Eddie Bower outlet with a friend. This was before going full time. I was starting to feel a little more comfortable going out presenting as female.


I was trying on some clothes I picked up at the local good will.


I show these because between August 2010 and January 2010 I went from that to this. No padding no augmentation, not tissue paper, just a basic under wire bra. It was around this point that I really started to notice that guys where openly looking at my breasts. They would crane their necks to get a look. It took getting used to. At first I felt like they where looking because I wasn't passing. But standing in line listening to the guys at the back of the line by the door talking about the rack on the hottie up at the front and I realized they where talking about me eased my fears.


A little celebration. I went to the salon and got my nails done. This was the first time ever getting my nails done and I loved them. My Mom absolutely lost her mind when she saw them months later. More on that in a bit.


Out in the wild a party at friends from the MAGIC group after New Years. I was looking and sounding well enough that some of the people. I'm to the left of the right column with my black sweater dress on. The lady I was talking with thought I was cis until the moderator came up and talked. I just bought this dress so I was very excited to wear it out and about. You can see that guy in the center looking over at me while talking with the fiancé of the person taking the photograph. I didn't know it at the time but he was talking to her asking about me trying to figure out f I was single so he could ask me out. Fun times


February 2011 1 Year and 1 Month of HRT 5th month of full time

I went up to Maryland with a friend to visit another friend. We stopped over at a Microcenter and my friend browsed for drives. Then we stopped over at REI and I bought a sun dress.

When I got home later that evening I tried it on once more before getting ready for bed.


May 2011 1 Year 4 Months HRT and 8 months of full time

I went down to visit my parents for my birthday. I had my purple dress and had my manicure. I was feeling good. My Mom was trying this time but still deadnaming and misgendering me about half the time. We went to church while I was down there. One of the people from Bible school came up to us after the service and was trying to figure out who I was. Before I could say anything my middle sister dead named me on purpose. Everyone around us heard it so I just smiled and left and headed back to the car to wait to leave and head back. He came out of the church a few minutes later and headed over to me and told me he couldn't believe it was me. He was still as cool as I remember and we caught up. It ended up being a good conversation.

It was also around this time after getting back home I had my consultation for SRS.