It's been a while since I've done one of these, but I just want to say a big thank you to the people coming here for maybe the first time. Especially guys like @Adrian26. The site has a woefully under-represented male presence so any of you guys out there wondering whether this is the place for you... take a chance, okay? You're gonna get a lot of mom's telling you what to do... but if you're okay with that... we can also help you find you.

But just in general, I have been seeing more and more people joining the site and I just want to say thank you. You are the lifeblood of this place. Your thoughts, worries, hopes and dreams keep this place going. And a big shout out to the well oiled machine which is the staff of this place. If you don't think they're doing anything, that means they're doing everything right.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 24, 2025, 07:26:22 PMAnd a big shout out to the well oiled machine which is the staff of this place. If you don't think they're doing anything, that means they're doing everything right.

I second that emotion, Sephirah. In my short time here I've been cajoled, chastised and often corrected but it was all done in the spirit of community and support. The staff is amazing and, when I visit Susan's, always makes me feel at home.

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on April 24, 2025, 07:43:06 PMI second that emotion, Sephirah. In my short time here I've been cajoled, chastised and often corrected but it was all done in the spirit of community and support. The staff is amazing and, when I visit Susan's, always makes me feel at home.

I did that job for a decade, Annika. I am happily enjoying my retirement right now. It was kind of a different time then, but... the staff here have always been exemplary. And Danielle is... yeah she's kind of a superstar. People don't resent you if you are kind with them. As I understand it, she is the gentle glove on this whole thing. And having people like Lori and Sarah B on staff is like... they are both amazing individuals. I wouldn't want to do it anymore... I don't have the energy... but it makes me happy to see what Danielle is doing with this place. You just have to treat people right and people will be okay.

That you're here is a testament to this place. I've been here for close to 17 years. Couple of months off. And.. it never fails to amaze me the people who come here.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 24, 2025, 07:48:39 PMThat you're here is a testament to this place. I've been here for close to 17 years. Couple of months off. And.. it never fails to amaze me the people who come here.

I agree. I have met the most amazing people on this site. All the 'newbies', and I put myself into that group, often arrive with doubts, distrust, and hope. That's what I found here: hope. Before Susan's Place, I honestly believed I was alone on my journey. Realizing I wasn't alone felt like Christmas, my birthday and the first time I caught a fish all rolled into one. But I was also fragile. It took me innumerable visits to this 'haven' before I realized we all are. Trans, queer, or even MAGA; we're all fragile. In some ways, I find comfort in that realization.

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on April 24, 2025, 08:00:37 PMI agree. I have met the most amazing people on this site. All the 'newbies', and I put myself into that group, often arrive with doubts, distrust, and hope. That's what I found here: hope. Before Susan's Place, I honestly believed I was alone on my journey. Realizing I wasn't alone felt like Christmas, my birthday and the first time I caught a fish all rolled into one. But I was also fragile. It took me innumerable visits to this 'haven' before I realized we all are. Trans, queer, or even MAGA; we're all fragile. In some ways, I find comfort in that realization.

And trusting someone to show yourself, someone who sees your beauty. <3

I am still a newbie, Annika. Compared to most people here. Even people such as yourself. I see people find this place, find the information they need, get what they want and just leave. It happens. This site used to be a resource. It had links and wiki staff. Just so people could find the info they wanted. I don't think it does anymore, but the point is still there. Some folks come to find what they want, then move on. "I'm okay, Jack, see ya!" Some people do more than that. The point is this site accommodates everyone. And... you get to meet people who touch you. You don't even put labels on these people.

They are just beautiful. I have a whole litany of such people but I won't embarrass you.

Quote from: Sephirah on April 24, 2025, 08:08:17 PMThey are just beautiful. I have a whole litany of such people but I won't embarrass you

When it comes to embarrassing myself, I don't need a whole lot of help. What amazes me so much about this enclave is that, even when I do, especially when I do, I'm always welcomed home. I belong here. And people like you and Lori, Danielle and Sarah, remind me of that every time I visit. When the next 'me' arrives on the doorstep of Susan's Place, I hope I am able to give him/her/them the same welcome I received. Because I know you will. And I know how important it is to feel welcomed when you knock on a stranger's door.

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on April 24, 2025, 08:17:02 PMWhen it comes to embarrassing myself, I don't need a whole lot of help. What amazes me so much about this enclave is that, even when I do, especially when I do, I'm always welcomed home. I belong here. And people like you and Lori, Danielle and Sarah, remind me of that every time I visit. When the next 'me' arrives on the doorstep of Susan's Place, I hope I am able to give him/her/them the same welcome I received. Because I know you will. And I know how important it is to feel welcomed when you knock on a stranger's door.

Susan's is kind of special. It's why I have stuck around for so long when almost everyone I knew... didn't. You can choose to get swept up in petty drama or... not. I chose the latter. The people matter more than my own ego.

You all matter most. So again I want to thank you for every single person who signs up to the site. When you get to know what people are going through, it makes a lot of your own stuff kind of insignificant.

And for those not sure... take a chance, okay? Especially you guys watching this. I know you're out there. I can smell you!

Damn girls, y'all gonna make a poor boy cry over here

I have to agree I have been a member on a few platforms prior , not as a transgender Woman,  but of various subjects.  I have to say I have never seen a platform or place as well managed as Susan's Place.  The Admin here are such wonderful people.  I can see why so many of us want to be here. I know I feel so much at ease and relaxed here. I know I can express myself and get advise and share my experiences and not worry about being ashamed.  To me this is why I am thankful for everyone here. I know this place would not be able to function with out a dedicated Administration team who truly cared for all of us like the one we have. Thank for all you do. ❤️ Annaliese

That's why places like this are extremely important. They make us feel seen in a way the outside world doesn't. It's a little oasis in a crazy world that's forever changing

Quote from: Adrian26 on April 25, 2025, 08:07:58 AMDamn girls, y'all gonna make a poor boy cry over here

Adrian, you are the kind of dude we need more of. Seriously. We need more guys here talking about themselves. Which.. I know is a big huge thing because you don't innately feel that way, and that's why the site is mostly full of girls. But we need that counterpoint. We need to see how you blokes approach life. Just sayin'

Quote from: Sephirah on April 25, 2025, 01:37:49 PMAdrian, you are the kind of dude we need more of. Seriously. We need more guys here talking about themselves. Which.. I know is a big huge thing because you don't innately feel that way, and that's why the site is mostly full of girls. But we need that counterpoint. We need to see how you blokes approach life. Just sayin'

Hell most of the time I'm just thinking about how it's awesome to pee standing up

Quote from: Adrian26 on April 25, 2025, 01:39:52 PMHell most of the time I'm just thinking about how it's awesome to pee standing up

See this is what I'm talking about. We need more of the experience of being a dude. I know guys struggle with feelings because... uh... guys. It's in your makeup. You have to drag it out of a guy to say they're "Okay". But... seriously, any dudes out there, think about joining the site. If only to say "Hey."

Quote from: Sephirah on April 25, 2025, 01:48:36 PMSee this is what I'm talking about. We need more of the experience of being a dude. I know guys struggle with feelings because... uh... guys. It's in your makeup. You have to drag it out of a guy to say they're "Okay". But... seriously, any dudes out there, think about joining the site. If only to say "Hey."

Seph is right. Having a community that gets you really does make you feel less alone