Hi everyone!

I've been a lurker here for years actually, many late nights/early mornings with bouts of dysphoria.  My story is not uncommon (except maybe the supportive spouse). Identified as a girl before puberty but without the Internet felt alone.  Years went by, I struggled, but then was married to a great gal and came out early on (10 yrs ago).  She was and is more at ease with me than I am. By the time I started to really understand, I was entrenched in a career and family.  Still am, but we're finally making plans.  I started seeing a therapist six months ago (at the age of 36) and am presenting casually as me at home during the evenings and on weekends.  Life is good, though the transition is slow. I hope to start HRT in a few years and be fully transitioned within ten, a lot slower than many of my sisters but that's my lot and I'm not complaining.

This board has been a life line during those lonely nights, hope to be active now that I'm comfy with who I am.

I'm also me on the tg boards and blogging with my partner at blondybrunette.tumblr.com, also on twitter at @ashleyorpixie

Cheers,
-ash

Hi Ashley,

Welcome to our little family. Over 8045 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another sister.

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Janet 

Hi Ashley,

I lurked for a while before joining too. This has been a wonderful haven for me and tends to make me feel more on an even keel when things get a little challenging. I also have a partner and she has been generally supportive which makes a world of difference during this process.

I'm sure we will run into each other on the boards. In the meantime, I wish you and your partner the best on this journey together.

Hello new girl!  Glad you joined us, so we can get to know.

Hi and welcome Ashley. 
Glad to hear you have a partner by your side on the journey.  Starting at a relaxed speed is a good way to go, it gives you time to find your own personal style in all sorts of ways.

Have a good trip, and if you want to rant, feel free.
Karen.

Hi Ashley, welcome from Boston! You're going to like it in here much better than lurking. See you around, hugs, Devlyn

We honeymooned in Boston and cape cod, would love to go back soon, sigh

Hi Ashley ,

A big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. It's good of you to drop in and say "Hi". Hope you like it here, and you stay for a while.

There is a mountain of information, resources and friendship waiting for you here, you just need to jump in and start talking.

Glad you are getting to know yourself. That can be quite a revelation, finding the real you. I'm pleased you have such a supportive partner. That makes a big difference. The one good thing about this journey of transition is, there is really no right way or wrong way per sae, or absolute time in which it is to be done. Keep up the good work you are doing.

Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine