My last day being 56. An important year behind me and time to introduce – after reading for quite some time.
I enjoy many privileges in life: Working in a super-secure, super-paid job in an international organisation – that provides a save environment against discrimination. Living in a very liberal country (Belgium) with very advanced legislation on (trans-) gender and good support structures. So what made me doubting the own gender identity and its expression so late?
An interesting consultation in summer uncovered a few things: I detest male behavior in a professional environment (while I am perfect able to apply it if necessary) and even more in private life. I 'naturally' grew into male roles, while closest friends in primary and secondary school have always been female. Adolescence in a very conservative catholic rural environment was already hard, if you were progressive protestant of urban origin - that made me already 'outsider enough' and I needed 'connectors' (the gender assigned roles) to fall completely outside the peer group. Same during university in the 1990s - but gender non-conformity in a city of 70.000 - rare. Four daughters have meanwhile left the house – the role as 'father' changed meaning substantially. My parents passed away some years ago – which released from the role as 'son'. So the male roles just crumbled. Finally the partnership with my wife redefines without the children nearby and we are growing old together.

The doubts started some three years ago. The last two years I tested twice for some months HRT-DIY just to see how I'd feel and how change back feels (yes, I am a rational natural scientist). Then I looked for consultation and took the decision to go for it. Since November I am on medically supervised HRT – and I feel great. I am out to the closer family and I guess during 2025 the series of baby steps will become evident to more and more people.

I always enjoy a good discussion and have the feeling that this closed group provides a safer space then some other platforms. I guess I´ll start a small blog with anecdotes as (self-)observation as they arise.

Hello Cloe!

Thank you for that wonderful introduction!

I am happy that you have been doing some reading and understand that this is a safe space to share your thoughts and comments. We all learn from the experiences of others. We look forward to sharing your journey as you figure things out. It sounds like you are on the right path.

Let us know if we can help.

Welcome, Cloe. This is indeed a safe space. Feel free to ask questions, discuss current events in your life, vent a little frustration, celebrate a milestone (especially if you don't want others to know about it), or just read and learn. I'm glad to hear that everything is going well for you so far.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Welcome Aboard Cloe!!! May your journey be blessed and filled with joyous discoveries!

Onward!

Ashley 💕

Quote from: cloe_2023 on January 15, 2025, 05:13:01 PMThen I looked for consultation and took the decision to go for it. Since November I am on medically supervised HRT – and I feel great.

Hi Cloe, welcome to the forums. I can almost sense your joy through the words that you typed. Congrats, well done! ✨

@cloe_2023
Dear Cloe:

It's your Special Day arriving tomorrow on Thursday, January 16, 2025
Another day older and another day wiser!!! 

Wishing you a very, very    H A P P Y  B I R T H D A Y
                                                                       

Be certain to check your profile for a special gift .....
                       


My Best Wishes go out to you.

Warmly, 
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]  Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
The Forum Administrator
    cc:  @Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Lori Dee  @Sarah B

                                               

Hi!

    Welcome Cloe!


Chrissy

Hello Cloe

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

It's wonderful to meet you and hear about your journey so far.  It sounds like you have given a lot of thought to where you are now and the steps ahead and I admire how methodical and self-reflective you have been throughout.  It's inspiring to see how you have embraced these changes while navigating your roles and relationships.

Being in a supportive environment and surrounded by progressive legislation in Belgium sounds like a solid foundation for the path you are on.  I'm glad to hear you have started medically supervised HRT and are feeling great, that's such a significant step and it's heartening to know it's been a positive experience.

This is definitely a space where you will find thoughtful discussions and support from people who understand and I think your blog idea sounds fantastic.  Sharing those anecdotes could be both therapeutic for you and insightful for others.

You are in a good place here and I hope you continue to feel confident and supported on your journey.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.   I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

One other thing, happy birthday and I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating that special day.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@cloe_2023