Good Morning Everyone,

I have just come across this forum and already found it to be a fountain of information and advice, so I thought I would sign up.

Let me start with a short intro, my name is Sara Jayne (real name is Darren and father of 3), separated from my wife on 10 years in January 2011; I am hopefully about to start on the transitioning process, and yesterday attended my psychiatric assessment at my local Mental Health Centre, where they were unable to identify any Mental Health Issues, they will be sending a letter regarding their findings to my doctor and also a letter of referral to the Gender Identity Clinic in Charing Cross, London so that I can discuss things with them and hopefully get things moving.

At the meeting they asked me, which options had a considered, I told them that initially I would like to take the hormonal route, and at a much later stage if I so desire then the surgery route, they did make a note of this.

They also asked me about the "real life experience" which I had already been told about during support sessions I have been attending on a weekly basis at my local transgende support group.

They mentioned that it's best to already start this before my initial appointment at Charing Cross comes through to give them the impression that I am serious about it.

Also I must think about work (they are already aware of my plans but want to make sure my introduction to the office is done in the correct way)

I'm just waiting for my initial appointment at Charing Cross now, which I was told yesterday I may get within a couple of months, but I'm not sure about the Real Life Experience or when to start being Sara Jayne permanently.

Maybe you can give me some advice here, thank you for listening to me.



With Love

Sara Jayne
xx

Welcome to Susan's.  One of the Admin people will be here before long to give you the good oil on how the place runs.  Lots of Poms here, so you won't feel lonely among all the Aussies and Yanks!

Before I started to go out even part-time,I started off reading as much as I could about women's fashion and make-up etc so that I didn't look too obvious. I also spent a lot of time people watching at the local shopping centres and down the street, so I could pick up on the more obvious female mannerisms.   The main thing I learned, with advice from my therapists, was to be understated in my appearance and manner.

I started to venture out by taking quick trips to the Supermarket in the evening to pick up a few things,  or buying petrol or the newspapers somewhere I was not known.  That let me build up my confidence and get over any jitters a bit at a time.

I have found that the main requirement for successful passing is confidence, and a smiling friendly approach.  You were obviously able to convince society you were someone else, so being yourself is going to be achievable too.

Karen.

Hi Sara Jayne,

Another Aussie, it is our time of night to be on the boards. Welcome hun and settle in. We are a friendly crowd and we are very family. It would be a very good idea to read UK and NHS threads here, some of the girls in the UK seem to have NHS problems. But they can explain.

Settle down and have a good read.

Cindy

Thank you for your responses, and the friendly welcome.

I'm in need or some advice in regards to the "Real Life Experience" side of things, am I right in understanding that I do not need to go through this unless I wish to have Sex Reassignment Surgery in the future ?



With Love
Sara Jayne
xx

welcome to susans sara i hope you enjoy your stay
jessi

Hello again and thank you for the lovely welcome.

I have some family issues, my parents know about me, my mum seems to accept my desire to go through transition, but my dad has recently made his feelings known as does not want to see me as Sara Jayne... this makes me quite sad.

I also have a complicated situation, three young children, and my estranged wife who I see daily due to our shared child care arrangements, does not want to know anything about my transition.

Welcome