My names Laura, I'm 29 and have always enjoyed "dressing up" from a very early age. But it was difficult considering that my parents were not supportive at all. But, it's okay, I have learned to be happy with who I am, even if they aren't. Well, that's all, I don't want to post a very long intro.

Nonsense, post a long intro.

Welcome to Susans Laura.  I actually turn 29 in less than 2 weeks.  Take a look around.  There is lots of information for your viewing pleasure.

Melissa

hey there Laura.

Welcome to Susan's.  Your intro is just fine, there are no rules on how long it has to be   It takes courage enough to even write one let alone write a long one.  I think that you will enjoy your stay here at Susan's as there is lots to explore and many new members possibly friends to meet.  So take your time there is no rush.  Be sure to read the rules, and when you are comfortable join in the forums, take part in Chat if you are inclined that way and be sure to check out the Links, and the Wiki sections, lots of good info there.

Chat later.

Steph

Hi Laura,
It a pleasure to meet you.
And this is a great place to share your dreams, wishes , troubles, trials and anything that is on your mind. Someone is always hear to listen. People here are very suportive and not judgemental.
I will add with my sisters, "Welcome to Susan's"

Jillieann

Hi Laura:
Welcome to Susan's.  Yes please post a very long intro.  We'd like to get to know you a little better.

tinkerbell

Ok, that's much better.   It's not just about dressing up, but your desire (or need) to be a woman.  I'm just curious why you decided to start working on this at this particular time.  Were your feeling starting to get extremely strong?  Just curious.

Melissa

The reason I asked is because were about the same age and I experienced the same thing.  My feeling have since kept escalation quicker and quicker.  I started a thread about something interesting I found that is supposed to astrologically explain some stuff.
If you want, you can read it here: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,3397.0.html

I'd love to hear your thought on this.

Melissa

Same here.  I've always been questioning my life.  I didn't know about transitioning either until late last year.  But the whole deal is that you are moving from one life phase to another and as you approach the end of the first life phase, things become more clear.  I'm not heavily into astrology, but I find some of the parallels a little too spooky to ignore.

Melissa

Hello Laura!

I liked your long intro, that was so much better.  I shall introduce myself to you (as to avoid confusion with me in the long run!) My name is Kelly, and I am the SO of Little Lynn (Jocelyn).  I'm very interested in transgendered issues because of Jocelyn and I throw my two cents in a lot, but that's because I'm a big sister to most people that I know.  Feel free to tell me to put a sock in it if it's neccessary! 

Oddly enough, you're mother sounds a lot like mine, which is exactly why I haven't told her that I'm dating a transsexual woman and that I myself am bisexual!  I sympathize with you on that, especially since your news would be more difficult to explain than mine would be.  Also, you sound a bit like my girlfriend, Jocelyn, who moved away from her small town last year in order to dress more and go out in public as a woman.  She hasn't begun transitioning yet, though, and we can't find a therapist in this place to get her started.  We be moving again soon to Burlington, VT where there is more support for transgendered issues. So if you plan on moving somewhere (if you having moved already) be sure that it's a place that you can actually accomplish what you've set out to do or you'll just end up getting set back further.

Well, I've rambled on for long enough...welcome again to Susan's and I hope you enjoy yourself here.  Feel free to contact me if you ever have the inclination to do so and I will see you around in the posts!

~Kelly

...which is why I said that was nonsense.

Melissa

Thank you for the longer intro. Laura.  Now I feel like I have really met you.
I'm in my 50's and still not ready to tell my mom and dad. I've seen how hard it has been on my wife and kids. My dad and mom are both very dedicated conservative Christians. I fear that I will break my mother's heart "I'm her only boy" and that dad will disown me. Like my youngest son seems to have done.
So I understand your pain in tell your parents.
Good to meet you.

Life is a journey.

Jillieann

Laura,
   Welcome and glad to meet you.
   I am a bit older, mid 30s, but can totally relate to the phase idea your family has.  My father passed away a few years ago and it was not till 2 years after I learned he knew of my 1st name change, but not the second.  That really ate me up because I wanted him, when I approached the cubject again know I did retake the family name.  He went to his grave having never mentioned anything about the subject after I reveled my intentions years before.  he also never treated me any different which I respect and he will always be my idol.
   My mother is still in denial and still refuses to accept it.  Even though everything I wear and do is no where close to feminine and I never talk to her about my personal life, she still has no intention of accepting it.  She said herself it was a phase, but to openly see it with me and be in denial is another thing.  Even when she goes to the mall with me she ask if I want to go in a store like J.C Pennys and instantly goes with me to the men's dept.
    It's just as hard for them to accept it and even though they may not verbally they know they have to give in little by little if they don't want to loose their child.  I have become more strong willed as I age, but I don't push myself on my mother becasue of her cancer and the fact she may not have much longer.
    Take it day by day and gradually work things in and it may help.  Living in a small town I know does not help, but you said you looked at moving and that could be a fresh start you needed.
    Good luck with it all and I hope any help you need you can recieve here.  So far there have been some great feedback post for me and I am sure there will be even more for you.
    Again, welcome and good to meet you.

Hi Laura,

Welcome to Susans.  I enjoyed reading your second longer post.  I feel I know you better now too.  Like you, when my mother found out about my CDing, she too thought it was only a "phase" I was going through.  Only until recent years did my mother realize it was much more than a phase.  Even though my mother still does not approve of it, she still accepts me as her son.  I try not to push the issue on her too much because she is 80 years old and she suffers from dementia.  Her health has been declining within the past two years.  She has gotten to be very forgetful because of the dementia and she gets very aggitated if I try to correct her when she says something thats totally out of character for her.  I try to keep the peace with her best as I can.  My father never knew about my CDing and he has since passed away.  Now I am feeling that for me its a lot more that just crossdressing.  I feel like I may be suffering from gender dysphoria.  Usually the clothes I wear do help to satisfy the dysphoria, but lately the feelings I have deep inside are not feeling completely satisfied anymore like they once were when I dressed up.  I am feeling more and more of wanting to become a woman full time instead.  I have not started HRT yet either, but I am looking into starting it sometime within the next year. 

Anyway, Welcome!  I look forward to reading more from you in the future.   

Hugs,

Shannon

Welcome to Susann's, Laura!

Coming out to family is truly a very difficult thing to do, so difficult that I haven't yet either.  I'm following the rule of thumb that I will tell no one until it's absolutely necessary.  I think it'll be soon, though, for my family.  There is a lot of good information in the WIKI about coming out.  I strongly urge you to look at that before you say anything to anyone.  Other sites have some good info too.  The links pages here at Susan's can guide you.

Moving away is an option and, yes, it's a good idea to make sure there are gender specialists available in the town you're going to before you move.  That will delay having to tell your family but you will have to tell them eventually, I would think, unless you plan on never seeing them (assuming that you transition).  That's not a prosect that I would personally enjoy.

I've seen and read quite a few of your posts already and I'm glad that you are comfortable enough to do so.  I'm looking forward to reading more and I'm again happy to say,

WELCOME ! ! 
helen

Welcome, Laura.

You said you'd be moving soon.  One of the most important things to do (IMHO) is to find yourself a gender counselor in your new area.  (We have info on counselors and support gtroups by state in the links area.) 

You'll need a GID counselor for your hormone authorizaton letter, and he/she can help you plan how to come out to family and friends.  So can PFLAG and its transgender arm, PFLAG TNET help you and family members.

Robyn

LauraElizabethJones:
I read your words and identified with the part that your loved oned would not understand. For me it was not as much that they would not understand the TG/TS thing they just never understood me period. Why complicate their lives with what is so simple I like feeling and expressing myself as a woman. I told them they accepted it and still do not understand. 
My best wishes for all you do Laura Elizabeth Jones
Love, sheila

LauraElizabethJones:
  I like your name,  yep!  my mother  has not read the cliff notes , she just dust it off to keeo clean house and assumes that it belongs to her ergo she knows all about it and what is best for me.  In a sick way is loving and nice and cute and all of that ...you know i think we trannies are not given much to cute sh--.
  So you'll be gone this summer ah, wish the best, stay safe.  One day you'll come back just for the hell of it, I did last year after 20 years when my step dad died, to help my mother with heer legal and business loose ends, she  is the only one left , I just kept my mouth shut.  She has changed a little but still just dusting off the cliff notes, She doesn't know if those notes are about me or not.  Never the less I was glad we connected?  My dauhter granson, son in law and son and myself went to see her in Feb this year. It was good and sad .
What I learned from it was that the most important thing in my life is how I react to people and events is it right and done with the most class I can? fine... and sense of humor..why go through this life if not to be joyful, right ? sure girl!  I don't put on a skirt and make up to suffer//lol
Hav ea great time Laura Elizabeth Jones

My parents have only read the summary on the back of the book and assume they know the whole story.

Melissa