Ask Matt: Support for Transitioning in Middle Age

[Shana A]

Ask Matt: Support for Transitioning in Middle Age

June 4, 2012 by Matt Kailey

http://tranifesto.com/2012/06/04/ask-matt-support-for-transitioning-in-middle-age/

A reader writes: "I am an older guy (53) about a year into transition and I am finding that almost every trans man I meet (online or in person) is under twenty-five. I even tried joining an online support group for those over forty, only to find that I was the only member over thirty-two!

"I found one group that did have older members, but they were all trans women. I am wondering if you can direct me to any support groups or information sites that are specific to older guys (over fifty)."

It's a new world with regard to transition – or it seems like that to me. Of course, I blame/credit the Internet, because I think that a lot of people who might have taken years to come out and transition due to lack of information and support can now find it easily online. This often results in a much earlier transition.  (At least this is what I'm seeing in the trans man community. I would be interested in what trans women are seeing in their community.)

[Ms Rebecca]

I have been thinking about transistioning,and I will be 66 very shortly.All of this may  depend on my health.I guess I should have done this at a much earlier age.You know the obstacles you face when you are so different,I do not feel different,I just feel I'am trapped in the wrong body for all of my life.My wife and I are more like good friends and she supports me 100%,Transistioning,she worries about the most,she says we will not be married anymore.This is the reason I have been putting this off.There are a lot of complications.Plus its so late in my life.I could get electroliysis,and a few cosmetic changes and I believe I can easily pass,maybe that would make my wife more happy.Still very confused,forever.

[suzifrommd]

From the article:

I know there must be other groups and resources out there – I just forgot them!

"SUSAN'S!" I want to shout. "SUSAN'S! SUSAN'S! SUSAN'S!" I guess Ask Matt is too far away to hear.

Should we clue him in?