Well, I wanted to give a general hello to all.  I have to say that even getting to this point, where I can be open with my self and some others has been a huge relieve.  Though I am not "out" yet to family and friends I have started my journey with my therapist and am working up the courage to let others how I feel inside.  This is something that I've known since I was about three years old in the shopping cart and wondering why mom told others I wasn't pretty, I was a boy.  Even then I knew I was different but because of fear... and probably ten years of Catholic school I never had the courage to stand up for myself.  SO ... flash ahead to now, 30yrs old and finally after years of wishing and praying I've decided to make the outside match the inside.  For too long it seems I would have some excuse not to come out, work, friends, family or relationships but the truth is that I haven't been able to fully enjoy who and what I have around me because I've lived such a closed life.  Now with out making this too wordy I just wanted to take a moment to thank those who have come before and cleared a path, it's time for me to set out on the journey.

Hi Penny 

You have come to the right place to help you along your journey    There are allot of wonderful folks and great information here

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Hugs

V M

Yay I was tying to figure out some of that! I swear I've spent the better part of the day trying to figure out the avatar thing.  Thanks for the info

Heya!

Welcome to he forum  Hopefully you'll find all the information and support you need here. I was the same as you - once I was open with myself and what I intended to do, I felt much better for it and life seemed much more vibrant to me. Like you, I'm dreading telling people - I too come from a somewhat Catholic upbringing - but i'm sure they'll be supportive once they know i'm dead-set about this whole thing!

(lmao I was also stumped witht the avatar thing! in the end I just couldnt be bothered searching anymore lol!)

All the best
x

Hi Penny Gurl, it's nice to meet you! This place is great, you're going to love it here. See you around, hugs, Devlyn

Hi Penny,
A big Aussie welcome to Susan's. It's a truly remarkable, supportive and genuine family you have joined here.
I'm so pleased you are heading down the right track, seeing a therapists and not doing much else until to better understand yourself. Some one has obviously given you the good oil.

I can heard the relief in your intro, at coming to that point of not acting any longer and searching for the real you. It's as though someone has lifted a building off you, isn't it?

Well hope to hear more from you as time goes by, and to celebrate those wonderful times as it all comes together for you. In the meantime, be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine

Thank all for the warm wishes, I can say I'm finally ready to get on track with myself and it's great to see others be so supportive.  Thanks again!

Hello Penny Gurl and welcome to Susan's.