Hello to you all from a newbie. My name is Karen, my friends call me Gypsy.

Where to begin? Well, I'm going on 53, married to a supportive wife, and I have 3 grown kids and 2 grandbabies. I'm a steelworker of 32 years and looking forward to retirement.

I consider myself tg, I've been Karen for as long as I can remember. I have no plans to have the surgery or do hormones.I've been dressing seriously since I was 12. I stayed in the closet until this year, when I finally confided to my wife. She has been just great, shows what the power of love is all about. Since then we've told other family and friends about me, and so far everyone is cool with it.

I tried suppressing myself for most of my life because I just didn't understand. With the help of my wife I am learning how to be myself. The reason I am not going to do the change is that I am just now learning how to love myself, and I'm quite satisfied with that. I call myself Gypsy, because like them I have no real home. I can't say that I'm a man, can't say that I'm a woman, I wander  and try to find a balance.

I love to dress, it's therapy for me. I love to go out as often as possible, which I started doing this year. I guess I pass okay, at least I haven't been punched out in the ladies room yet. When I go out I feel free, and I feel like I'm being myself. You just can't beat it. I recently joined a tg support group in my area and have made new friends. I always thought I was the only one like me, like I was a freak of nature or something, now I know I'm not.

Anyway, this looks like a pretty cool site, and I hope to make new friends here. I could always use a little help and support, and I like to help others too. As messed up as I am, I have learned a thing or two over the years. So, remember this, it could be worse, and it's a nice day.

GypsyKaren

Hello Karen,

Welcome to Susan's.  Your story is very similar to many here, so you can feel comfortable with the knowledge that you are among friends.  We're a pretty diverse groupe, with equally diverse ideas, opinions, and views, that's what makes this site so interesting.

Don't be afraid to post new topics and join in with those already started.  So be sure to read the rules, relax and enjoy your stay.

Chat later,

Steph

Hi GypsyKaren,

It is easy to feel alone and different but this site has shown me I am not alone and there are people who don't think me strange.

So welcome to Susans. You've picked up on one of the real benefits her at Susans and that is sharing. It is good for both the sharer and the sharee. Is that a word?

I look forward to sharing experiences with you here at Susans.

Shelley

Hi Karen:

Welcome to Susans.

As Stephanie says you ae among friends here, and do not be afraid to post your feelings and thoughts.  I have found the girls here very supportive.
I am so pleased for you  that your wife is so supportive.

Relax and I am sure you will enjoy your visits here

Denise

Welcome Gypsy Karen,

The wonder of the internet is that we no longer have any excuse for thinking that we are alone.  For most of my life (I am over 60), I was convinced that I was the only CD in the world.  At least I never knew another CD or TG although I had heard about them.  Through places like Susan's and the local support group I have found that not only am I not alone, but that there is a very large and diverse TG community.  We are no more alike one another than any other goup of people, but we do have a lot in common. 

Hi Gypsy,

Sorry I haven't formally welcomed you sooner. Welcome to Susans! If you haven't already be sure to explore the Wiki. Lots of usefull info. You will find folks here quite friendly and very talkative. Some days more than others. So fix yourself a cup of tea or other relaxing beverage, sit down, take your shoes off and set a spell.

Hey Louise,

Maybe the reason you never noticed the other TGs before is because they pass just as well as you do. Love the new pic by the way. You look smashing.


Cassie