J.T. - I totally understand the "not measuring up" thing. I've been nervously debating whether or not to go to this LGBT event in my area. There's a trans guy with whom I've emailed a few times who will be doing a seminar about dating trans people (and how to successfully date if you are trans.) It sounds interesting, but being pre-everything I know most people will just take me as butch lesbian. Either that, or they
will know I'm trans and not passing. *sigh* Still don't know if I have the courage to go.
But hey, I remember your old picture, and you are definitely looking more manly, dude. Grown-up manly, I mean. In no time at all everyone will be looking at
you and thinking, "I can hardly wait until I'm where he is."

And meanwhile, those who are further into transition have all been where you are, so I doubt if they will have much room in them for judgment.