Can anyone tell me how you tell for sure if you're trans/genderqueer? I'm incredibly confused, and simply need someone like me to hash things out with. I think I might be genderqueer or trans. I don't know though, and isn't that something that would be obvious?  It seems like coming out as gay was a lot easier to wrap my head around than this......How does one even go about transitioning, especially someone as "feminine" as me,  and if I start, will I be in over my head? 

Welcome Gannymede.

Good question.  Unfortunately, it's really only one that you can answer yourself.  Take a look around Susans.  There is so much of that discussion that's already taken place, that you may be able to glean something from that.  Also be sure to take a look at the Wiki.  After you have some more knowledge of the differences, you may be able to ask more tailored questions to help yourself determine where you stand.

Melissa

Quote from: gannymede on June 20, 2006, 12:29:53 PM
Can anyone tell me how you tell for sure if you're trans/genderqueer? I'm incredibly confused, and simply need someone like me to hash things out with. I think I might be genderqueer or trans. I don't know though, and isn't that something that would be obvious?  It seems like coming out as gay was a lot easier to wrap my head around than this......How does one even go about transitioning, especially someone as "feminine" as me,  and if I start, will I be in over my head? 

Do you wish to live permanently as the opposite sex? Or would you prefer to leave your anatomy as it is, yet be able to explore both male and female roles?

Do you look in the mirror and feel unhappy about what you see?

The standard, though somewhat controversial response to "how does one even go about transitioning" is to find a qualified gender therapist in your area to talk these issues over with in depth. If you decide to transition, they can help you formulate a plan on how to do that - including writing you a letter for hormones and so on.

The idea is to sort yourself out first (as best as possible anyway) BEFORE starting a transition - this to avoid being "in over your head."

This forum has a ton of insightful people with varied experiences, opinions, interpretations, and so on. I've learned TONS about myself just by browsing through the posts and seeing how I compare/contrast with everyone. There really are no "classic" cases, though there are often common threads.

Oh, and welcome to Susans! Consider posting an introduction, if you haven't done so already We'd love to hear more about YOUR story and experiences!

Quote from: gannymede on June 20, 2006, 12:29:53 PM
... and if I start, will I be in over my head? 

Come on in!  The water is fine!

Yes, you will be in over your head.  I think we all are.  What I hope you will find is that there are a lot of very caring men and women here who will help you learn to swim in this sea of discovery.

When you start to understand who you are, it will ring true as any bell you have heard.  The sound will be sweet and pure to your ears.

Welcome to Susan's, Ganneymede!

Chaunte

Quote from: cindianna_jones on June 30, 2006, 04:38:08 AM
But from what I have seen, if you've got it, it will drive you.  It will oppress you.  It will pull you along by the nose. It will make you do things that may put you in to dangerous situations.  It is overwhelming and non stopable.

I have to completely agree. My transition had gone far faster than I had ever originally planned.  I didn't mean for it to do that, but it is such a driving force that after I got to a certain point, I decided to save my fingernails and stop leaving claw marks behind me.

Melissa