I'm Mocha :3

closeted demigirl, 17 from Florida, and well I came here for some info/advice on how to proceed in my life to be honest. I will ask about that elsewhere (please tell me where I should!)

a short timeline of me: I have always had a somewhat neutral approach to gender even before I learned about transgender people. I learned and then was questioning since 14, went through some various nonbinary phases since 15, and now comfortably a nonbinary demigirl since 16. despite that, I am still closeted to everyone except one of my nicest teachers who I trust, because of both Florida and the fact my mom is transphobic and discouraged me from being like that the one time I asked her about it. oh well, she doesn't live with me, and I'm almost 18, so things can change soon! I hope to make changes soon!

anyway uhm that's about it. nice to meet all you nice people ^.^

Hi Mocha 👋🫂 — it's really nice to meet you. Thank you for trusting us with your story. It's great to see you detail how your sense of self has evolved over the years, and to name it clearly, and you've done that with a lot of care.

Given that you're 17 and in Florida, it's completely understandable to be cautious. Your safety and stability come first. It's good that you have a trusted teacher; even one supportive adult can make a big difference while you're navigating school, family, and the next few months before you turn 18. If coming out wider doesn't feel safe right now, it's okay to keep things private and move at your own pace.

If you're looking for next steps and a place to ask detailed questions, our Community Conversations area is a good place to start for them, and you're always welcome to start a thread there. Outside the forum, there are confidential, youth-friendly supports you can lean on whenever you need to talk—The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline, and the LGBT National Help Center all offer chat or phone support with people who understand. For in-person care or referrals, many Planned Parenthood health centers are LGBTQ-affirming, and therapist directories like Psychology Today let you filter for affirming clinicians if you want someone local or telehealth.

Since you're close to 18, it can also help to do some quiet preparation for the moment when more choices open up—making sure you know where your basic documents are, thinking through where you'd feel safest if family conversations get tense, and learning which clinics or campuses feel welcoming to you, whether that's in Florida or, if needed, somewhere more supportive. None of that has to happen overnight. Turning 18 isn't a deadline; it's just the start of having more say in the timing and order of your steps.

We're glad you're here. If you'd like, tell us what feels most urgent: school, family, name/pronouns, health care, or something else. We'll meet you where you are and help you map out options that keep you safe and supported.

We are looking forward to getting to know you better!
— Susan

Hello Mocha,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for that wonderful introduction.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and share your thoughts and comments. No matter who you are, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

While you are planning for what's next, look into finding a therapist with experience in gender identities. As Susan pointed out, it can be very helpful to have someone you can meet with, either face to face or via video conference, to help you answer questions and navigate obstacles you may encounter on your journey. Of course, we are always here to help if you need it.

We have an area dedicated to Support Groups with lots of contact information. Even if you don't see any listed for your area, many of them can help you locate someone who suits your situation.

When you click on the HOME button, you will see a page listing all of the various sub-forums by category and topic. Each sub-forum has a description of what that forum is about, as well as any guidelines for posting.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL-AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets. Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

I will add links below that are important for new and returning members. Pay special attention to the links in RED.

Until then, if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at LoriDee605 @outlook.com, or Sarah B at SarahatSusans @Proton.me, or our Forum Administrator, Danielle (Northern Star Girl) at AlaskanDanielle @yahoo.com

Once again, welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff

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@mocha45
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

Hi, Mocha! Welcome to the group.

From what you've said, it seems to me that you're pretty comfortable being who you are and are being thoughtful about how to proceed with your life. I think that's very sensible.

I hope you'll return and spend more time with us. We're happy to have you here.

Pema

Hi Mocha

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.

Thanks for sharing your story it, is very much appreciated.  Given that you are 17 in Florida it, makes sense to be careful.  Your safety and stability come first.  Having one trusted teacher is powerful.  Just that one supportive adult can make a big difference while you navigate school and family over the next few months.  If coming out more widely does not feel safe to you right now, it is okay to keep things private and move at your own pace.

Susan's comments such as the following offer you a lot of information to allow you to follow your dreams and to be yourself.  For next steps that you want to take or the detailed questions you need to ask you can start a thread in any of our forums.  If you want confidential support outside the forum these, options are open any time:

• The Trevor Project
• Trans Lifeline
• LGBT National Help Center

As Susan has said,  "for in-person care or referrals many Planned Parenthood health centers are LGBTQ affirming" and "therapist directories like Psychology Today let you filter for affirming clinicians if you want someone local or telehealth."

Since you are close to 18 a little quiet preparation can help when more choices open up.  Make sure you know where your basic documents are.  Think about where you would feel safest if family conversations get tense.  Learn which clinics or campuses feel welcoming in Florida or somewhere more supportive if needed.  Turning 18 is not a deadline.  You are young and have time on your side.  Only you can tell or say how fast you want to achieve your dreams.  It is the start of having more say in the timing and order of what you want to do.

A few important safeguards and thoughts:

• Keep your devices secure on your persons and use passwords, so no one can read what you are doing regarding your goals and gender identity.
• As it has been mentioned before, it is good that you have a supportive adult.  In my case I have never told any one about my past, except my family and my doctors.  In keeping quite about myself I have avoided complications that would have arisen if I did tell others.  What I'm saying is only tell someone unless it is absolutely necessarily.
• Continue your education, trade or college then secure a job that pays well.  I was lucky in the sense I had a certificate in civil engineering and that stood be in good stead when I changed my life around.
• How you proceed is up to you.  Here at Susan's we support you.  We will help you if we can.

What feels right for you now whether that is name, pronouns, presentation, documents, healthcare, facial hair removal, hormones or something else?  What would you like to do next?  We can help you map out options that keep you safe and supported if that is what you want.

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.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.   Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Susan @Northern Star Girl  @Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Lori Dee
@mocha45