New to forum

[Rochelle]

Posting an introduction after already needing tech help in a different forum section.

I'm on the older side of the spectrum and have always just got by and after having done a lot of research and reading, started changing how I thought about myself and life the past few years.

I only just recently found this resource and joined and already have learned a lot from all the great input from the users who are part of the community.  I don't do labels and after reading Susan's Understanding Gender Identity post, it's very enlightening.

I was born male but have changed my thoughts about this over the years.  I guess I would say I'm transgender non binary at the moment, but this can change at any time.  Again Susan's article is so informative.  I've decided you're never too old to change to make yourself more happy.

Retired from the Air Force in 2006 as an E7 (MSgt).  15 years as Security Forces (Law Enforcement) 3P071 and then cross-trained into Computer Operations 3C071 for 7 years.  Stationed at seven bases both overseas and stateside, got away with only one desert deployment.  Not sure what else to add here but can add more if asked.  Working as an IT manager for a non-profit medical agency for 19 years. 

I feel happier about life after reading a lot of posts and the realization that many before you have gone through the same uncertainties and challenges but they can be overcome and just believe in yourself.  And ask for help when you feel you need it.

This is more than I've written down about this before and will probably become more the longer we go here.

Truly thank you

[Maid Marion]

Hi Rochelle,

Welcome!  Many of us find it helps to think about stuff to the point where we can write down our thoughts.

Marion

[Lori Dee ✅]

Hello Rochelle,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for that wonderful introduction.

We strive to make this a safe space for you to find information and share your thoughts and comments. No matter who you are, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

I am happy that we got those login issues resolved. You are among friends here. Not just transgender, but intersex and all the other aspects of gender. Many of us are also veterans, and starting later in life (I'm 68). We have a Military Veterans Confab Forum. Feel free to share your service there, too.

As you noticed, we have a wealth of knowledge here from the real-life experiences of real people. Feel free to browse around the forums and add your comments and experiences, too. We all learn from each other.

When you click on the HOME button, you will see a page listing all of the various sub-forums by category and topic. Each sub-forum has a description of what that forum is about, as well as any guidelines for posting.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL-AGES  PUBLIC  Forum and the internet never forgets.
Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

I will add links below that are important for new and returning members.
Pay special attention to the links in RED.

If you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at LoriDee605@outlook.com.

Once again, welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff

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@Rochelle
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

[ChrissyRyan]

Hi Rochelle!


     Welcome!



Chrissy

[Sarah B ✅]

Hi Rochelle

My name is Sarah as you can already guess and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

Thank you for sharing so much about yourself.  That is a big step, especially when it is the most you have ever written about this.  You are never to old to begin your journey and I really like what you said about never being too old to change so that you can be more happy.  That rings very true for a lot of us here.

I never use any of the labels that are prevalent in regards to what I did and that includes any "trans" related words so if you don't want to use those labels that is okay as well.  It is perfectly fine to sit with "transgender non binary at the moment" or to change that later or to drop labels altogether.  Your comfort is what matters.  Just be yourself and do the things you like to do, there is nothing wrong by doing so.

I never had the information at the time I had my surgery and you will certainly benefit from the information on Susan's.  After changing my life around it was 19 odd years living as a female before I came across Susans's which enlightened me no end.  It sounds like Susan's Understanding Gender Identity post has already helped you make sense of things which is lovely to hear.  Being here we are able to help you.

Telling your story is important for two reasons, it helps you in the long run and it provides others with information that they are not alone in this.  What you have written will speak to others who are older who have served or who are still unsure where they fit.  No matter how fast or slow you go that is okay.  There is no timetable you have to meet.

There are other members here on Susan's that were in the armed forces and there are forums for veterans.  I think you will find people who understand both your service background and your journey with gender so you will not have to explain everything from the beginning.

I am glad you are feeling more hopeful after reading that others have faced similar doubts and challenges.  Please keep sharing as much or as little as feels right at the time.  Being part of a community really does make a difference.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.  Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

Thank you for your service and take care of yourself and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!
Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@Rochelle

[Pema]

Welcome, Rochelle. I'm glad you took the time to come here, read through posts, and introduce yourself. There are many of us here who are with you on the older side of the spectrum. I think you'll be pretty comfortable here.

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

  @Rochelle
Dear Rochelle:

Your special day and Birthday to recognize tomorrow on Friday, November 13, 2025
    Wishing you a very Happy Birthday
                                       

What are your plans for your Birthday? 
        Dinner out with friends and family?
            Cake?  Candles?  Special trip?

    Again, wishing you well and enjoy your special day.
Warm Regards and HUGS,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]