Hello Everyone,

I'm Donna and I'm a forty four year old male to female transsexual, who's just beginning my transition to womanhood.  I live in Michigan and I'm a graduate student in pursuit of my Ph.D. in sociology.  I'm delighted to become part of this wonderful support group, where I can meet others like myself.  As I'm sure you all know, transitioning is extremely difficult and most people do not want to take the time to fully understand the situation that I find myself in.  I finally mustered up enough courage and came out to my wife, informing her of my desire to become a woman full-time.  Fortunately for me, she is very supportive and understands completely.  We've been married for ten years and have two beautiful twin daughters who are four and half years old.  I feel an enormous amount of guilt of what I could be doing to them, but I believe that it is better that I do this while they're still young, as they'll adjust better.  I'm in the beginning stages of counseling with a wonderful transgender therapist and will start receiving hormone replacement treatment within the next month.   I hope to find guidance from others who have been in my situation and to make new friends as I transition.   From the time that I was four or five years old I've had inclinations that I was born in the wrong body and I'm finally doing something about it.  Anyway, thank you for allowing me to tell you a little about myself.   

Hi Donna,

Welcome to our little family. Over 2900 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another sister.

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Blessed Be.
Janet

Welcome Donna,

I am 42 myself..  A great time for rebirths. 

You are so lucky to have the support of your wife.. That can make a big difference in times to come. And congratulations on making your first steps. I hope your little ones are still young enough that your transition will seem like a natural thing in their lives.

I know you will find lots of good folks here ready to help wherever they can.

Hi Shana,

Thank you so much for the wonderful welcome, it's very nice to meet you.  Yes I am so blessed to have my wife's support during this transitional period.  I also appreciate your advise regarding my little ones and like you, I hope that they are still young enough to adjust.  Thanks again!

Hugs,

Donna

Hello Donna and welcome to Susan's. As a 47 year old, I too am just on the beginning of the journey as well. I'm glad that you have found the love and support of your family.
I hope you continue to find happiness.

Deanna

It's nice to meet you too and no worries. Feel free to PM anytime..

Hugs,

Hmmm, lot of 47 year ppl here. Me too.

Hi Janet,

Thank you fo welcoming me to the family.

Hugs,

Donna

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Post Merge: August 24, 2009, 11:36:34 AM

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Hi Deanna Renee,

Thank you for the warm wecome and best of luck to you on your journey!

Hugs,

Donna

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Post Merge: August 24, 2009, 12:38:12 PM

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Thanks again Shana!

Hugs,

Donna

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Post Merge: August 24, 2009, 01:39:34 PM

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Thanks for the reply LordKat.  It's nice to meet you.

Donna

Welcome, Donna. 

It's wonderful that your wife is supportive.  It sounds like you've got your ducks lined up, with therapy and hormones, etc.  Transitioning is a bit like a PhD program; you are ambitious to try both at the same time.

At your daughters' age, they should be fine.  Just answer any and all questions honestly.

Welcome to Susan's and the wonderful world of [fill in the blank here ].

- Kate

Hi Kate,

Thank you so much for the welcome and the encouraging words regarding my little ones.

Hugs,

Donna

Hi there!

welcome to Susans! Also, thanx for the welcome from u...good luck to you and your transition

You're very welcome Smashley.  Good luck to you as well!

Hi Donna and welcome!

It's so wonderful that you've had such support from your wife, I'm been similarly lucky with my partner Smashley.

I also am really concerned about how my transition will affect my daughters, 4 and 9. Overall I have to believe that as long as I do my best to be respectful and understanding of what this means to the people in my life and try to integrate the changes I'm making into all our lives at a pace that everyone can process emotionally, then it will be better for them to be around someone who is living his authentic life and comfortable with himself, than to continue to have a repressed and insecure parent/partner/daughter/sister/friend.

As you've already started to see, I'm sure, people here are kind, understanding, and overall just fun to "hang out with" in this way. Once you start posting about things you relate to, sharing your experiences, and just getting used to this great group, I'm sure you'll wonder (as I do) how you ever got along without this place.

P.S. Ooh! I just thought to add, if your wife would like more info and a supportive group of wives/husbands/partners to talk to, we've got a great Significant Other board here you can tell her about.

Hi James,

Thank you so much for the very warm welcome.  I am so fortunate to have the support of wife during this very difficult and often times emotional transition.  In spite of everything, we remain best of friends.  She always said that I was like her best girlfriend, even before I came out to her.  My counselor also reminds me all the time how blessed I am to have her support.  We will eventually have the little ones in counseling as well, in the near future to help them adjust.  We do plan on living together, even though our relationship is now platonic.  How are your young ones adjusting to your transition? 

Even though I only joined Susan's last week, I have already found so much support and have made new friends.  I have talked to my wife about getting involved as well, as I'm sure that she would also find support from significant others who are having similar experiences to hers.

Thanks again for nice welcome and best of luck to you and Smashley!

Donna

Welcome to the family, Donna. The best to you as you transition.

Gennee

Hi Donna,

..Welcome to the rollercoaster...!

I like your pic in the gallery!



Chrissty

Hi Chrissty,

Thank you so much for welcoming to the rollercoaster and for liking my pic in the gallery.  It's very nice to meet you. 

Donna

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Post Merge: August 30, 2009, 09:35:31 PM

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Hi Gennee,

Thanks for welcoming me to Susan's.  It's very nice to meet you.

Donna