Hello new here

[Cynthia Brown]

Hello my name is Cynthia Brown and I am new here I am 71 years old dressing since I was a teenager and starting to work with a therapist regarding transition tomorrow I will have my second appointment I'm not sure where it will lead me been married for 41 years and I worked with a therapist 20 years ago considering transition then but decided to stay in the marriage keep my family together and keep my career going now I'm retired my kids are grown and I've been trying to figure out what I need for me I'm glad to be here and sharing with all of you

[Susan ✅]

Hello Cynthia,

I'm really glad you're here.

What you shared will resonate with a lot of people reading it, even if they don't say so right away. Living for decades with that awareness, making deliberate choices to protect your marriage, your children, and your career, and then arriving at a point in life where you finally ask, "What do I need?" — that's not confusion or indecision. That's a lifetime of responsibility followed by honesty.

It also matters that you're approaching this with care rather than expectations. Therapy doesn't have to lead anywhere specific to be worthwhile. Sometimes its value is simply having a space where you don't have to justify your existence or rush toward a conclusion. After forty-one years of marriage and a full working life, it makes sense that you'd want to move thoughtfully and on your own terms.

You're not late. You haven't failed anyone. And you're not taking anything away from your past by giving yourself room now. Many people here have walked similar paths — choosing stability when they needed to, and later realizing that tending to themselves wasn't selfish, it was necessary.

I'm glad you found your way here, and I hope you'll continue to share as you feel comfortable. You belong here, and you don't have to have all — or even any — of the answers yet.

Hugs,
— Susan 💜

[Lori Dee ✅]

Hello Cynthia,

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.

At 68, I am right behind you. I know what it is like to feel "late to the party", but I can assure you that it is "better late than never". I am glad you have a plan in mind. Starting with a therapist is a huge first step and can be very helpful now and later.

This site is huge. It is full of the experiences of real people who have been giving advice and offering love and support for over 30 years. You are in the right place! As you browse the various forums, feel free to comment and add your 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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@Cynthia Brown
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

[tgirlamg]

Cynthia!

Welcome Aboard Sister!... All good things to you as you explore the possibilities ahead!... All shall be well... 🤗

Onward!

Ashley 💕

[Pema]

Hi, Cynthia. Welcome to our community. We're very pleased to have you here.

Pema

[ChrissyRyan]

Hi!


    Welcome Cynthia!



Chrissy

[Jillian-TG]

Hello my name is Cynthia Brown and I am new here I am 71 years old dressing since I was a teenager and starting to work with a therapist regarding transition tomorrow I will have my second appointment I'm not sure where it will lead me been married for 41 years and I worked with a therapist 20 years ago considering transition then but decided to stay in the marriage keep my family together and keep my career going now I'm retired my kids are grown and I've been trying to figure out what I need for me I'm glad to be here and sharing with all of you

It's not uncommon for individuals to question life as they age and we become acutely aware of the value of time and the precious years remaining.

I do hope you find support from your wife and your family. You've obviously made long and hard sacrifices. Hopefully you can get a chance to be you.

[Charlotte_Ringwood]

Hi Cynthia,
Welcome and hope you find some of the clarity you're looking for. Everyone is very kind and helpful that's for sure.

[CynthiaR]

Cynthia, Welcome! You'll find there is a wealth of knowledge and experience available from members here. Like you, I'm also navigating transition with my spouse. Don't be afraid to invite her to join us here as well. Your wife will undoubtedly have questions and be looking for support in figuring things out as well. Hope to hear more from you. By the way, love the name...lol.

Cynthia

[Sarah B ✅]

Hi Cynthia

My name is Sarah 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 something so personal so openly.  What you wrote will resonate with many people here, even those who may be quiet for now.  Living for decades with that awareness, making careful choices for your marriage, your children and your career and then arriving at a time in life where you finally ask what you need for yourself takes honesty and courage.

You are not alone in feeling that this moment is less about rushing toward an outcome and more about giving yourself space to reflect.  Working with a therapist does not have to lead anywhere specific to be meaningful.  Sometimes it is simply about having a place where you can explore your thoughts without pressure, expectation, or judgement.

Many here understand what it is like to feel late, or to wonder why now, only to realise that timing is not failure.  It is context.  You protected what mattered to you when it mattered and now you are allowed to tend to yourself.  That does not erase your past or diminish the life you have lived.  It builds on it.

This is a community full of lived experience, patience, kindness and people who have walked many different paths.  Take your time, read, ask questions, share when you feel ready, vent if you need to.

You belong here exactly as you are, without needing to have all the answers yet.

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.

Take care 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
@Cynthia Brown

[Petunia]

Welcome Cynthia.

You defintely aren't alone

[Alana Ashleigh]

Hi Cynthia

Alana

[Dances With Trees]

Welcome, Cynthia Brown! I am so much like you-- except my daughter decided to move home a few months after I came out forcing me to become a bit less out (her mother passed away long ago). I think you'll do great. Especially if your children have their own homes.

[Scylla]

Welcome to the forums Cynthia!