Hia I'm Diane. I'm a 49 year old transgender from the Philly, USA area. Currently, I dress part time and have been taking hormones since December of last year. Below is my story.

 

I always knew I was different and really had no idea how to express it. I had a fear of displeasure and confrontation so I kept it to myself. I kept my secret hidden until 2011, when I felt I needed help with my secret and sought out a specialist who I began monthly sessions with. We talked for an hour each month until I learned the medical name for my secret: Gender Identity Disorder. I am Transgender, a female soul and brain in a male’s body. To be honest I never heard of either before. I did research and continued my sessions. What I discovered is that, for people like myself, the only truly effective treatment is male to female transition. I also learned that and the pull of the condition would only get worse as I got older. I concluded that I am faced with two choices: gradually transition to live as female or self-destruct. Transgender people have a high rate of suicide attempts.

I need to do this, my body, mind, and spirit yearns for this. NOT doing something is the most dangerous course for me. The woman within me needs to come out and live. I’m as sure of this as anything I’ve ever been sure of, and I’m resolute in my direction. There really isn’t any other option for me.

 

Diane

Hello Diane - You have come to a great place for TGs like yourself, present company included. There are many people to talk to. All the best in your journey. hugs, Briana : ) 

Diane - It has been along road for you, hasn't it.  The good news is that you have made up your mind about the path you are going to take, and as I suspect that you have already noticed that a lot of people on here have already gone down that path.  I am sure that anybody here will do their best to support you and answer any questions you have.

 

My best wishes for the future,

Amanda