Hi Everyone,

I'm Kelly. I'm a 44 year old MtF. This is an issue that I have dealing with since I was at least 12.  That was when I first really realized that I was female.  Unfortunatly, I have a male body.

So, at 32 years and two failed marriages latter, I have to deal with this.  I have to be who I am.

This should be easy, but it really isn't. I have a professional job in a rather masculine business (I'm a pipeline engineer) and I come from a very conservative family (funny, they always considered me to be the liberal of the family).

What I don't know is where to start.  I can't live like this any longer.

I know that there are many of you out there who have been in the same situation.

Where did you go? How did you start?

I need friends who understand.

Thanks so much for reading,

Kelly

Welcome to Susan's Kelly.  It's so good that you have found this site.  First off rest assured that you are among friends and in a safe environment.  Secondly take the time to explore the site as there is a ton of information to digest, and be sure to read the rules that govern us here.

So where did we go? How did we start?  Well that's easy, many of us started here or at sites similar to this.  At Susan's you never need be alone and help and advise is never far away.

So jump in with both feet, the water is quite comfortable and the company is splendid.

Steph

Hi Kelly and welcome to Susan's. We all have similar stories, but they're all different as well. I started my transition around 40 so we're not to far apart. I started by finding a support group and attending some of the meetings. They're not for everyone though and I haven't been to a meeting in years. Transition for me was almost an avalanche. I came out to my ex. I came out to my daughter. I started dressing part time. Changed my name legally. Started hormone therapy. Came out at work. Got laid off (go figure). Went full time, got a new job, had laser & electrolysis treatments. All done in about 10 months. Now if I could only manage to get it together for SRS, I'd be all finished.  If you prefer to talk to someone rather than here you're welcome to call. Contact me if you like and I'll give you my cell phone number.

Karen Lyn

HI Kelly,

Welcome to Susan's!

Your post is a bit confusing.
"I'm Kelly. I'm a 44 year old MtF. This is an issue that I have dealing with since I was at least 12.  That was when I first really realized that I was female.  Unfortunatly, I have a male body.

So, at 32 years and two failed marriages latter, I have to deal with this.  I have to be who I am. "

Leah, my S.O. says well women are allowed to lie about their age.
I think you just left out part of a thought. Please straighten this blond out. Oh by the way there is your starting place.

Smiles,
Peggiann

Hey Kelly!

Welcome to Susan's.  And I'm glad you are starting to deal with this.  I also hope you begin to enjoy the parts of it you can.  And don't be shy about asking questions here.  Lots of folks are, or have been, in your shoes. 

Great to have you along!

Kristi

Welcome to Susan's Kelly,

I started by searching the internet for all the info I could find, which lead me here. Like Karen Lyn, I found a support group for those exploring the issues around GID, which I still go to bi-weekly. I'm also seeing a therapist who specializes in gender issues and began HRT 6 mos ago. There is more, but that's not necessary now.

Explore the wiki for more info and just ask questions, you'll get plenty of opinions and advice here at Susan's.

Hugs,

Rhonda

Thanks to all for your notes of support.

To clear things up a bit - I am 44. I realized that I had a gender issue at around age 12.  So, 44 - 12 = 32.
That's my reasoning for saying that I have been in my situation for 32 years.

Thanks!

Kelly,

Oh now I get it. Thanks for helping me understand. I have to take note on jokes sometimes to help Leah explain them later. I read things over several times to get the full means and take on things. Yours had me baffled. Thanks for clearing the fog for me to see.

Many here will share what they did when. Steph guided us to the road map in the wikki material and that helped Leah and I a bunch. You take out what you can get to and get it done and work on the rest as your life allows. Your own time table is pretty much set by your finances, your family situation and your drive abd desire. Good Luck.

Smiles,
Peggiann

Hiya, Kelly!

Everyone else has given you about the same advice I would so all I'll do is add my welcome.  I'm pleased that you found us and decided to join and I'm happy to make your acquaintance!

again, WELCOME ! !
helen

Hi Kelly,

I'm a piping (mechanical) engineer and yes working with construction workers can be just a bit daunting sometimes.  I don't worry about anyone I've not met before, but well it can be interesting.  It's hard, very hard sometimes,  But it does get easier and I am having just best time right now.  I'm finally happy being me.

One of the first things I did was contact a therapst for sessions.  Susans is also a great resource too.

Welcome girl


Beni

Welcome to Susan's.

This is a good first place to start. Mine was the usenet, back when it used to be useful, LOL.

type a few things out, do some introspection, find a therapist who has some sort of background in GID, and be honest to that therapist and to yourself.

There's a lifetime of pain to deal with and that can muddle things up. Where you go from there is up to you, the world is vast and the choices we have are innumerable (and ya can't count them either <G>).

Once again, welcome. I hope that you kick up your heels and stick around for awhile.

Hello Kelly and welcome to Susan's!

Thank you for your introduction.  Please take a few moments to get familiar with the site, review the site rules, and take advantage of our many resources such as the wiki, chat, and the links listed at the main page.  We look forward to your future posts and participation.  Enjoy your stay.

tink

Hi Kelly, It's all been said LOL Welcome to Susan's.
Donna