Hello! My legal name is Bryce, but I'd prefer to be called Lyra. I'm young, and my girlfriend and I are actually both struggling with the fact that we're currently in male bodies. It's cool to be this close to someone else in the exact same boat as me, but neither of us know anything about these feelings. We're so confused...
For one, we're both worried that we've invented these feelings for ourselves. I'm not sure of her reasons, but I know that for the longest time I've wanted to be gay, but being that I am exclusively attracted to girls, this is the only way that could happen. Sure I'm a lot like a typical girly girl, in that my favorite color is pink, I like to draw hearts on everything, I prefer "cute" to "cool," and for years I've had an odd obsession with unicorns... But those are all just ordinary personality traits, and my love of cars, UrbEx (Google it), and destroying things is right on the other end of the spectrum, though I guess not as far from the center. I don't know... I always make my video game characters female, I much prefer women's clothes, I want to wear eyeliner, and a few other things, but I still just don't know whether I'm actually female inside or I'm just a very feminine guy... She has the exact same dilemma. I've tried to justify it by saying that if we were truly content with our bodies, we wouldn't be wondering at all. But I can't even believe myself entirely... I could go on, maybe, but from what you can see, what do you think?

Hello and welcome. 
It's great that people your age can reach out via the internet for information on things like this, and that the idea of being transgender is actually out there.  Don't let anyone tell you the 60's were all great, they weren't for me.

I'd suggest taking things slowly, there is no point in rushing into something before you have all the relevant info, and feel ready to act.  The Wiki here is full of lots of good stuff that can help you unravel things.  The Transgender umbrella is large and there are all sorts of folk sheltering under it.

It's probably fairly appropriate to consider yourself as "Questioning" at the moment.  That phase can last a while, and the more questions you ask, the more accurately you can assess where you sit in the Gender Spectrum.  There is no right or wrong, apart from what feels right for yourselves.  Personally I believe that as there are 7 billion people in the world, there are 7 billion genders, and 7 billion sexualities.

I tend to be fairly femme, but today I traded my Honda hatchback for a 4x4 wagon so I can access back country fishing spots.  Then got all dressed up and took myself out to dinner to celebrate.  I ended up talking vans and trucks to the straight, cis-gendered, 20-something waitress who bought a van for the same reason.

Relax and enjoy exploring your options.

Karen.

Hi Lyra, welcome to Susans! I think you have come to the right place for figuring yourself out. You'll find acceptance here for who you are, but who you are is completely in your hands. Have fun and see you around the site, hugs, Devlyn

Hi Lyra Welcome to the family.

Jennifer

Hi everyone. I'm the "girlfriend" in question. I'm very much confused myself. I just don't know.

I'm 19, and a closeted bisexual and possibly transgender person. I experience many of the same things that transgender people are said to experience, but not all. For example, I prefer female pronouns. I like to be called "she", "her", etc. I also feel... odd being male. Like something is wrong. Like I have something I shouldn't have and lack some things I should have, if you catch my drift. I just feel sad a lot of the time that I'm not female. I don't think I'm ugly or anything, but I still don't like to see pictures of myself too often because I don't connect that image with myself because it's too masculine.

On the other hand, I can girly, but not incredibly so. I also don't think the extent of my gender dysphoria is as extreme as it is for transgender people. I think I could still be happy if I lived as a man. Not as happy, mind you, but I don't consider killing myself or wishing for my genitals to be removed like some people do. And I'm terribly, terribly sorry if some of what I say are stereotypes. I don't mean to cause offense. I'm just quite ignorant on this whole issue. Please bear with me.

Hi Trixie Welcome to Susan's Place.

Jennifer

Thank you, everyone. I'm sure we'll both enjoy this place.

Hi Trixie, welcome to Susans to you as well! Normally, I would suggest you start your own intro, but I guess you two roll as a couple! I will suggest that both of you take a peek at the site rules, so you don't say something wrong unintentionally. See you both around the site, hugs, Devlyn

I'm glad you're all so welcoming. The last forum we went to refused to help us because I'm a minor, citing "legal issues" as their reason. It was pretty infuriating. I'm glad you all realize that talking to a younger person is perfectly legal in every part of the world.

Hi Lyra and Trixie,

Lyra I edited your age for your own protection and for our legal protection. Nothing to worry about. You and Trixie are totally welcome at Susan's.

I'll just post the rules.


Hi, and welcome to Susan's! We have people come to visit us from all over the world, expressing different points of view, and you are likely to find someone to help you along your way   

Here are some important links and things to ponder as you begin your journey here.


•   Site Terms of Service and rules to live by are in the announcement area and include:
•   Standard Terms and Definitions
•   Post Ranks ( including when you can upload an avatar/post links and photos)
•   Age and the Forum
•   Reputation rules
Feel free to post and discuss anything within the rules, if you make a mistake, don't panic, report it to a Mod, there is a button to the right of your post.
If a post upsets, or is insulting to you report it to a Mod. Do not take action yourself. We are here to help you and maintain the site for all.
Our mission is to be a support site for gender dysmorphic people of any situation, so feel at home and feel comfortable. You are now family.



You are both very welcome and will be accepted into the loving arms of Susan's. Post away, ask questions and we will try to help.

But you are family now so don't be shy.

Cindy

Hi Lyra and Trixie,

A big Sydney welcome to the most warm, friendliest and compassionate family on the Net. It's called Susan's. Not only will you find heaps of info and resources, but there is an absolute wealth of experience from those who have "walked the talk," and are willing to grant us the honour and privilege to share in such a profoundly personal and private part of a persons life.

I look forward to hearing more about you both, and how you are coping. In the meantime, be safe, well and happy
Lotsa huggs
Catherine

Hi Lyra and welcome.