Quote from: Lori Dee on August 01, 2025, 07:32:32 PMThere are straightening products, also called "curl relaxers," and they do damage the hair. That's what makes them work. I don't recommend them. I just use the flat iron (got it at Walmart) and set the heat to 350.

Thanks so much for this info, Lori! I'll have to get brave and pull the trigger on this. Heck it will curl up in a few days if I don't like it, so I have nothing to lose.

My wife might lose her job. If she does, I'll eventually lose her excellent insurance coverage. My plans for FFS might get dashed. The waitlist is too long and I doubt I'd be able to get the procedure before my insurance gets downgraded.

I'm trying not to dwell on this.

Quote from: Courtney G on August 09, 2025, 08:22:36 AMThanks so much for this info, Lori! I'll have to get brave and pull the trigger on this. Heck it will curl up in a few days if I don't like it

If you don't like how it looks straightened, just wash and condition it. It isn't permanent, and the moisture from washing will bring back the curls. You also don't have to go completely straight. Use a lower heat setting, and tight curls become waves. Or straighten one area, like the back, but leave some curls at the side to frame your face. Experiment and have fun with it!  🙂

After waiting patiently for several months, I finally have several electrolysis appointments on my calendar. I'd been waiting for the local place to onboard a new tech but the tech seems to be flaking. Fortunately, the owner is taking me on as a new client anyway. After a couple of years of using my IPL, I was left with mostly gray hairs on my face and I had about 8 sessions with an electrologist in my previous state of residence but that was over a year ago.

My new home state of Maryland has more progressive requirements for insurance coverage of gender-affirming care, which includes electro, as I mentioned a couple of months ago, so I've already submitted the receipt for my first visit and I'm hoping reimbursement happens without any issues.

I realize it's probably going to take almost 2 years of regular visits to clear the remaining hairs, but I'm really exited about it. What I'm not excited about is a purple spot I've had on my chin since I was in a motorcycle accident over 35 years ago! There's a place not far from me that treats scars with tattooing but I'm pretty worried that it won't work out. If anyone has any experience with this, please do chime in.

After 3+ years of having breasts and after a couple of months of pretty much *needing* to wear a bra on a daily basis I finally bought myself several pairs of women's underwear (bottoms). The ones I got are in the hipster style and are pretty basic (neutral colors, not frilly) but I absolutely love them. I don't know why I waited so long to start wearing them. My wife has been fine with them.

I'm still pining for FFS. Oh, and for an orchiectomy. But both are pretty strong steps and I'm trying to ease my wife into the idea.

Quote from: Courtney G on September 09, 2025, 10:04:05 PMWhat I'm not excited about is a purple spot I've had on my chin since I was in a motorcycle accident over 35 years ago! There's a place not far from me that treats scars with tattooing but I'm pretty worried that it won't work out. If anyone has any experience with this, please do chime in.

I have no direct experience, but I would have a dermatologist look at it before opting for tattooing. Some skin conditions can be corrected with laser or blue light therapy. I have had the blue light therapy for pre-cancerous stuff on my face and arms. It is 18 minutes of hell, but afterwards, the skin is much clearer. For lasers, they use different frequencies than for hair removal, and it helps rejuvenate the skin. They have similar treatments for things like Rosacea, spider veins, and such. It doesn't hurt to ask their opinion.

I went to my county LGBTQ group's monthly social gathering today and dressed as Courtney. None of those folks have ever seen my body; I've kept it hidden. It felt good to be out and proud of myself. Must've been a surprise to some, as I keep it under wraps pretty completely.

One of the principals of the group took me aside and explained that that org is becoming part of a larger network in the region, which proposes to offer support in the form of more get-togethers and more overall infrastructure, which will include setting up some sort of support group framework. They told me they felt I'd be an asset - a "mature voice" that would benefit the group - and asked if I'd be willing to join the staff. I was flattered.

I have major stuff going on at home (construction) but my goal is to wrap that up by Halloween, so I told them that I could get involved at that time. Good stuff.

I have the second in what I hope will be an extensive series of electrolysis sessions this week. And I'm trying to dovetail that with an eyebrow-shaping appointment. More good stuff.

I'm hanging at home now in my underwear, feeling good about my body. That's still a bit of a foreign feeling. I'm enjoying it.

All good things, Court. Congrats on the staff offer!
I think you would be a good fit helping out there.