Well, just wanted to introduce myself... finally admitting to myself that I have, for the past almost 24 years, been living in the wrong body. Always saw myself as a guy, especially as a kid... even to the point that, at age 7, I insisted upon everyone calling me "Timothy" instead of my given, feminine name. Now, just out of college, I'm trying to change my image so it might mirror the way I feel inside. There aren't a lot of FTMs in my town, though, and I will be moving in a month... kind of worried about how I will be accepted. One more problem: I'm terrified of operations, so I'll probably remain in a woman's body the rest of my life. At least I have a naturally low voice and naturally growing facial hair. Have been learning more about how else to modify my appearance by checking out everyone's posts, but I would appreciate any advice anyone has, as well as advice on dating; I don't identify as a lesbian, never have, but have always been attracted to straight women, and have been with one woman. I guess I'm a little hesitant to try dating since I'm not very experienced and am afraid of women's reactions. Any help would be awesome.

Rafe

Hi Rafe, welcome to susans.

I can definately relate with what you're say regarding your attractions to women and how you identify. Feel free to ask lots of questions (no matter how "stupid" they may seem) because we've all been there or are there.

The dating thing can be a little tricky, but there are a lot of women out there that are very attracted to men like ourselves. Hang in there, this is a place you'll get a lot of great advise and support from.


    tino

Welcome Rafe.
Nice to make your acquaintance.

Nero

Welcome to Susan's Rafe. And yeah, what Tino said, feel free to ask anything (except stuff that's against the rules, like dosages or illegal hormones), and we'll try and answer.

Dating, dunno, I'm divorced and not really interested in re-hooking up at this stage.

Dennis

Hello Rafe.

I'm glad that you've found us, and I'm sure that it's not going to be long until you find yourself quite at home.  Do take the time to explore the site as there is much offered here.  We offer live chat, a links a huge link section to other resources on the web, a Wiki section that's hold a wealth of information on issues to do with our community, and of course here in the forums where there is much to be learned and offered.

Don't be afraid to participate where you can whether it's asking advice, offering an opinion, or giving advice, it's all welcome.  Please take the time to read the rules.  Again welcome to Susan's, I'm sure you will enjoy your stay.

Steph

Hi, Rafe!  Welcome!

I'm glad you found us and decided to start posting.  The more the merrier!  I hope you come to like it here as much as I.  I've gotten alot of help just by reading but also by posting questions and things, although others always seem to anticipate my concerns and post them first!

Once again,

WELCOME ! ! 
helen

Hi Rafe:

Welcome to Susan's.  I'm sure you'll feel at home here.  It's always great to see new people join in! 

We'll keep in touch,


tinkerbell 

Hi Rafe...

In someway, your story sounded to me like "sad".

I, and maybe all of us, know how it is to live in a condition that is not what we wanted for us... A lot of fears, sometimes lonelyness.

All I can give to you is my story about operations. I had a lung problem 2 years ago, so I was operated. I really didn't noticed how time passed, it wasn't that terrible. There are worst things.

So be strong, maybe you can live your life as a "real" man sometime... Maybe it's not just the moment right now for an operation.

Good luck... See ya!

yeah, sad story, sad story. I figure I probably don't have it much worse than anyone else frequenting this site... the difficulties associated with just living life in a body you don't want to own is bad enough. Yeah, I'm lonely, yeah, it's depressing, but I'm trying to get past it. I'm okay without surgery or hormone therapy, but I'm starting to get pissed off at the fact I don't have money to buy even a binder, and I'm sick of walking around looking like a chick because of that one little thing--- breasts. Otherwise, I get mistaken for a guy anyway (even without the binder). I'm sure, the more accepting I am of myself, the more others will accept me, and the lonliness won't last too long. Thanks everyone, for being so welcoming.

Rafe