I would like to say a warm 'hi' to everybody.  It is absolutely wonderful that such a forum exists for the free expression of ideas.  RachelW introduced me to Susan's last week and I have been enjoying reading all of the posts.  Hopefully I will be able to contribute beneficially.

I thought that I should add a bit about my personal story here (since this appears to be the best area of any to post this): 
To be honest, I'm not quite sure if this is where I belong (a rather loaded statement, I know).  I guess I should start with the fact that I was born female, but as the youngest of 3 females, was not raised as such.  At the age of 5 I would more likely be found in the garage helping my dad fix a car than playing 'house' or Barbie.  As a kid my favorite things were catching bugs, playing sports (football, basketball, baseball, you name it I did it), and destroying my sisters' Barbies (leaving the remains in the sandbox for them to find later).      I remember distinctly hating dresses (and really anything 'girly') and insisting on wearing my dad's ties whenever I could get away with it.  I actually wore a vest and tie to a Girl Scout meeting at age 9.  In high school I had a very short haircut.  It was so short that my honors freshman bio teacher thought that I was a guy for 9 weeks and was dating my best female friend.  When corrected (by my best friend), my teacher could only bring herself to retort, "how long has that been the case?"   

I hate makeup and female clothes.  I shop in the men's section whenever I can get away with it.  But the truly ironic thing is that I am an active member of a sorority (I don't really fit with most of my sisters and wouldn't have joined if I wasn't a legacy).  This is why I feel like I don't belong here.  I feel that I am living in a horrible paradox.  On the one hand I hate being a woman.  In my head and heart I have never been a woman (now if only I could do something about the physical part).  But on the other, I enjoy some parts of being a woman (as much as I don't feel like I belong in my sorority, I have befriended many wonderful and understanding woman...I know, very shocking for a sorority).

I guess in the end there is only one thing I know for sure...if RachelW and I could trade bodies, I'd do it in a heartbeat.  Though, I guess for now I will have to settle with sharing wardrobes (I think she gets a much better deal out of things though...with my MaryKay collection and sisterly hookup for additional makeup supplies).  And we don't have similar tastes in ties.  Very disappointing.  (Just had to add that last one).   

Hello Kyle,

Welcome to Susan's.  As you have discovered, Susan's is a great place.  You'll find others here who share the same issues you are experiencing, and I think that you will find that everyone here is pretty friendly and easy to relate things to.  Don't be afraid to join in the topics, and post your own.  We welcome new ideas and views.  Please be sure to read and abide by the rules, and enjoy your stay.

I'm sure we'll chat later,

Steph

Kyle,

Welcome to Susans! 

This is truly a great place where a lot of us walk that Paradox-R-Us line.  Here you will find lots of sisters and brothers who are walking the same path.  I know for me that this has made all the difference.  I look forward to seeing your future posts.

Chaunte

Hi Kyle,

Welcome to Susans. It's very unusual for two TS's to come to Susan's who are also good friends in the outside world, and one FtM and one MtF to boot. Wow! As you have already found and has already been said there are a lot of friendly caring people here. If you haven't already be sure to check out the Wiki as there is a lot of great info there I'm sure you will find very interesting. So fix yourself a cup of tea or other relaxing beverage, sit down take your shoes off and set a spell.


Good Journey,

Cassie

Hi Kyle, welcome. Sounds like you're questioning where you fit in the gender spectrum. It's good you have a partner who is clearly supportive.

Enjoy the explorations.

Dennis

Hi Kyle! Nice to meet you!
As one who is also trying to figure out where exactly i fit, i can tell you that this is  a great place. I spend hours here just quietly reading, the people here are such an inspiration.

I recognize some things in your story, about your upbringing. My Dad would've raised me exactly the same way had i been a son. I think he likes me fine either way. Has no problem lending me shirts and ties and whatnot. Taught me how to fix my ties correctly when i was a teen, and even now sometimes sends helpful emails about sizes and such.

look forward to talking to you
Alex

Welcome Kyle,

I remember wondering whether I belonged here because I'm a CD and have had experiences of non-acceptance from other websites.

This is a non judgemental site that allows you to experience what others are experiencing through these forums. The advantage of coming here is that you can experience your journey in safety.

So good luck on your journey of self discovery and I look forward to getting to know you.

Shelley