First of all I want you to be aware of my English - its not that perfect as yours, guys. I don't want you to think that I'm mentally retarded or something.  It's just my second year in the US.
Ok. My name is Arthur. I am a transgender male, 21, Russian. I'm going to start my transition next year. This forum seems to be a very nice source of information for transgender people.
It is kinda different in my country. I visit some "native" forums, but as long as I'm here, I've got to start to communicate with English-speaking community.
Speaking of differences between my country's transgender community and America's - it's really-really tough for guys out there, in Russia. It's like middle-ages or something. It is hard to get a letter for therapy, and surgeons are not that good (we have only two (!) trained surgeons in Moscow). The society does not accept transsexuals in Russia at all. That was one of the reasons I came in the US with my girlfriend. Another reason is attending a college.
Hope I am being readable. 
I would upload some pictures of me later

Hey man, thanks for sharing. Nice to meet you... Your English is definitely readable.

Hi Arthur,
Your English is quite good actually. I would be interested in hearing more about Russia as the likelihood of me ever going there is slim to  none.

What are you studying?


Anyway, Welcome to Susan's where we all have fun and you get to learn a lot while laughing and crying at all our foibles.

Welcome to Susans Arthur

and don't worry about your English, it's fine 

Hi Arthur,

Welcome to our little family. Over 4800 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 brother.

And be sure to check out these links ( MUST READS )

• Site Terms of Service and rules to live by
  
• Standard Terms and Definitions
  
• Post Ranks ( including when you can upload an avatar)
  

And your English is fine.

Hugs and Love,
Janet

English is also my 2nd language, and I think there are some merits in communication in my 2nd language. When I communicate in my native language, I tend to be more emotional as I can express my feeling without any constraint, sometimes causing some problems.

Barbie~~

Hi and welcome Walrus.  :)Your English is fine. Yes, Russia has a low tolerance of gays last I heard too.

 
I am happy to be here as my new work schedule has severly impacted my "she" time (I spend most of my female life in world at one of the virtual worlds online). Being able to read the posts and bask in the knowledge that I am not alone in this journey on my lunch break has helped me tremendously!
I draw strength from the stories and struggles of others, and applaud each one brave enuf to be out, as I am a non op very closted t-woman.
Love you all,
H

Kookookachoo!

Hey,

I'm an american, but I have a few friends that go to my college who are from Russia. Most of them say that they miss some things about their country, but they're very happy to have certain freedoms in the US. Depending on where you're currently located (in america) there will be more or less acceptance of transgenders, but for the most part we're probably more accepting. I would suggest not getting rid of your culture though. The international students at my school are so much more interesting when they don't "americanize" themselves. I love meeting different people, so I'm glad you've joined!

Hope you're active in the forums.

-carl/y