Heya folks,
Normally i'd keep shtum and start a thread in the Intros bit but this topic concerns me a lot and Id like to throw in my two cents.
A few years ago when i was a cock-sure, 18 year old guy, I had the world at my feet - beautiful gf, good looks, confidence and no problems whatsoever. But as time went by, i knew I was living a lie and was a girl trapped in this strange body. I discussed this with a gender therapist but she wasnt helpful in the slightest, in fact was almost discouraging and I left feeling both disgusted and ashamed at my self and my intentions of transistioning. I vowed to try harder at this 'guy' malarkey - regularly going to the gym, turning into a real 'player', and - if im honest - a bit of a douche.
Well, fast-forward one night and I was walking home from a club. It was dark and I was slightly drunk, albeit far from wasted and very much compus mentus. I ended up taking a shortcut home through a supermarket car park and came upon a gang of Neds (Scottish Chavs/Guidos(?) in America) beating up this teenage boy. My alcohol-and-testosterone-fuelled conscience thought, "Screw this, a chance to beat up these scumbags AND be a hero!" So I get myself involved and (if im allowed to be slightly boastful!) get this boy up and free from the mauling he was receiving. However silly me loses focus of the danger and I managed to get 2 glass bottles smashed over my face as I was helping the victim to his feet.
After hitting me, the cowards fled into the night and the victim also scarpered away with not even a thank -you or acknowledgement at all. I ended up getting home, (somehow) drove myself to the hospital and received upwards of 80 stitches (i lost count) down one side of my face. The police come and I file a report etc etc and after trawling through hundreds of facebook profiles and youtube gang videos, manage to find someone I recognise from that night and they eventually go to jail for 3 years (justice sucks!).
ANYWAY, throughout the intervening months I come to the realization that douche-bag me is not who I am. . At the start, i felt that I couldnt go on as such an ugly monster. Whenever i was alone at night, or by myself at work i would feel really low and the act of ending it all was always just around the corner. Some days i'd wonder how it would feel to just let go. But then, what of my dreams of becoming who I am meant to be? What about finding love with Mr Right? What about boring all these people on Susans with my anecdotes?!
I realised that suicide was not an issue. In my mind I had always felt it was the easy way out. I didnt want the actions of a gang of scumbags define who I was or what I did with my life. I got my act together and am now currently on low doses of estradiol and with the support of a totally new and very encouraging therapist. I still have a nasty scar that covers a lot of my face - which as a self conscious diva - is a real pain in the bahookie! Whenever I am out I feel very self-conscious and find myself inadvertently covering my face with my hands or sitting in certain positions so as few people see me as possible. Early in my journey however, i discovered the wonder of makeup (my "Paper-bag over the Head" idea wasnt catching on for some reason!) and I felt a new lease of life. The makeup doesnt cover my scar completely but just wearing it really boosts my self esteem and I can look people in the eyes again. Something that seems so small and insignificant to most but for me was like feeling 100ft tall

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Your friend has much more courage than me to undergo her journey. My paltry injury is nothing compared to what shes been through but hopefully my post can reveal that all is not lost. If she stays true to herself then she can be who she wants to be. That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful. I hope this helps

Sorry for boring y'all and (incase i had forgotten!) Heya!

XXX