Hi all! My name is Claire! I figure that I have been lookin around the forum for a while, so I might as well not get too far before introducing myself.

Who am I?
Well, to start off with, I am 21 years old and will be graduating from a private college in a few months with a 4-year business degree. I've got my own apartment, partly because my parents are very unsupportive, and I've been working my butt off to pay for everything. My number one passion in life is biking (if anyone has any bike questions, don't hesitate to ask me!), and I love anything outdoors!

I also happen to be trans. Having known it since I was very young, I spent years trying to deny it and put it out-of-mind. It did peek its way through - I started self-medicating (horribly unsafe and stupid of me) with hormones when I was 16, off and on until this year (I'd say probably 50% of that time I was on hormones). I kept trying to reject the idea that I was trans. and tried to live a normal life. Coming from a background of unsupportedness (parents, school, job, religion), I kept putting everything off and not coming to terms with myself, but no matter how hard I tried, it kept resurfacing.

This last July, I decided I just couldn't do it anymore. I sat down and thought, prayed, and tried to work through it all. Do I really want to keep denying who I really was and life an unhappy life, finding myself 10 or 20 years down the road with regrets? Or do I want to finally come to terms with the fact that I'm trans?

I chose the latter - I started seeing a therapist, got on prescribed hormones, and have finally started moving toward being who I really am. I haven't transitioned yet, but it is on the horizon. I've been moving slowly and have been taking baby steps so far, trying to divide my limited focus between work, school, life, etc, but with school winding down for me in the next few months, it looks like things are really going to speed up for me, and I'm happy about that.

Thanks for all the support!
-Claire

Welcome Claire 

It sounds like things are getting on track for you and that's great! See ya around the forum

Welcome Claire, lots of friendly faces and good info here.  Baby steps are still steps, soon you will be amazed at the progress you have made.

Hello Claire,
It is good to meet you.
I sure know about putting it off:Not dealing with it until I had grandchildren.
I'm so glad you ain't waiting like I did.
Welcome to Susan's.
Jillieann

Hi Claire and welcome. It's great to hear that you're starting your journey so young. I wish I had come to terms with Beth a lot earlier. I'm still not out to anyone but I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have if I can. I can also offer a shoulder to cry on and a hug if you ever need one. Once again welcome.
Hugs
beth

Hi Claire
(beautifull name btw)

welcome to the forum.
It's good to read that you've find your way to happiness.
babysteps, speeding up, it doesn't matter, you'll get where you want to be, that's the most imporant thing isn't it

hugs
annette

Hi Claire,

Welcome to our little family. Over 4500 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.

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)
  
• Reputation Rules
  

Hugs and Love,
Janet

Hi, Claire, and welcome!

Well, since you are wondering whether or not you should proceed with your transition or delay it, allow me to ask you to read my story that is right here on Susan's Place regarding that very same question.  Here's the link to the story.  Page down and you'll find it there:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,86703.0.html

Use my story as an example of what NOT to do.  Do not delay.  If you possibly can, find a gender counselor you like and get your letter authorizing HRT.  At age 21, you are at a near-optimal age for transitioning.  Hormones should have an awesome effect on you, and you have virtually your entire adult life ahead of you. 

NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO START, IMHO!

However, of course, this is YOUR decision.  We are totally here for you, girl.  Consider us your friends and family.  You'll find that we're all about being supportive, and there's lots of accurate and timely information here for you too. 

Hugs!       Lacey

Thanks for all the well wishes! This is such a great and welcoming place!

Lacey, I read your story and can feel your pain. The last time I tried to deny who I was, it ended up hurting people I care about. I tried to shove everything away and live a "normal" life. I had a girlfriend, but because I was not at terms at who I really was, I ended up stringing her out for months and really broke her heart. I remember crying for weeks straight, thinking how could I be such a monster? I had a girl who actually loved me and wanted to be my wife, and by trying to ignore who I really was, I  just shoved her away and hurt someone I really cared about.

I tried hiding my emotions from everyone and cope with things myself, and I thought I was doing really well. Only after I started going to an amazing gender therapist in July and began getting my life into order did I find out that some people around me had thought I was suicidal and were watching out for me.

I'm glad to say, I have come a long way from that, and I have finally accepted who I really am. I'm so glad I've gotten the ball rolling, and I can't wait for my life ahead of me!! 

Hello everyone

Hi Claire, Welcome to Susan's. Sounds like you have chosen your path as it has chosen you.
Good luck to you.
Hugs

Tracy,
You are more than welcome here but you should start your own Introduction posting and tell us about yourself.

Jillieann