Thanks! I’m going to need to work hard on this.

I’m also a few weeks in and not seeing any changes. I am also on a t blocker, though I don’t know if it’s working yet as my first blood test isn’t for another month. It takes time. I feel a little different mentally, but I am physically still a giant hairy man.

My advice is to try and find one person you can absolutely trust and confide in them, if you can. It’s better to do this with help than alone. Maybe find a local-ish group that meets up in person and attend if you aren’t comfortable with people who know you. I find it odd to think about, but I am more comfortable discussing things with people I have never met but who share in my daily struggles than to talk with someone I know who doesn’t.

I’m sorry you had to go through that! I understand the sentiment of keeping it visible but close, which is why a necklace was my first thought as well. I might do that anyway to keep the original close when we get new rings. Thank you!

This is actually really sweet it in a way. I’m glad to know that others are comfortable just being outside of a “norm”. We’ve been together over 20 years and I’ve had the same ring the whole time, but I preferred to remove it while working. In my line of work, I had the same fears about degloving or electrocution. It’s gone the opposite direction for me though, in that it’s now so large even the silicone wraparound sizers aren’t big enough. I’ll take your suggestions into consideration, though. I’ve always loved plants, and there is a Polynesian cultural practice of wearing flowers like a plumeria on one side of the hair to indicate marital status. Not as practical in the winter, but it’s still something I think I’d enjoy.

You and Telorand both suggesting silicone sent me looking. It might be worth grabbing a “his and hers” set so I also have something to wear for now in boymode. I still haven’t told anyone but my spouse that I know in person so I need to stay under the radar while the hormones do their thing. This might not be a terrible idea. Thanks!

Thanks! Yes, I think I need to talk to the clinic. 50mg/day of spiro seems far too low for someone my size

Very jealous. I’m also my first week in on Spiro and E (and Finasteride, because boo hair loss) and I feel… Nothing? That said. I got to try out my first real outfit. Turns out I like skirts and shrugs. Even better when the skirt has pockets! I’m glad things are working for you, though. As with everyone on this journey, YMMV. Enjoy it!

It’s natural to be afraid of change, but I can tell you from someone in her 40’s, it’s never too late. Your family will love you for who you are, and your identity is something that YOU know. Life gets better when you can be yourself. Don’t do what I did and wait a decade to do something about it. There are people everywhere just like us and we help each other. There are professionals who can help you, and this path has been blazed by many before us. Stay on it, find yourself, and life gets so much better from there. Congratulations, sister!

If it helps you at all, I thought the same thing. I’m in my early 40’s, scared to death of what might happen in this political climate, and went through some very rough times in the last few years. I finally said enough last month and told my spouse. They’re helping me find clothing and picking out nail polish and going with me to my clinic appointments. Find the right people to support you and you can do anything. You can even be yourself, and it’s never too late.

I finally bought a set of my own polish (instead of using my spouse’s) and I have a light blue on the outer toes. They’re gorgeous! The little things do so much sometimes

Oh dear, I am aware of how expensive it can be. I’m in the US, and on top of being extremely expensive it’s just as slow to get specialist appointments. You should still make sure to see a physician and get your blood tests, even if you DIY. We don’t want to lose you to complications! I’m sorry to hear about the dog and I hope they pull through. When you’re ready, I hope you get the care you deserve!

I realize that everyone’s situation is different and you may have valid reasons preventing you from transitioning. That said, you should consider doing it now. I figured it out at 30, and 11 years later I am bitter that I waited to begin. Don’t regret the missed years and experiences. Also, I am causing my spouse a lot of grief and self questioning. They constantly ask if they are the reason I didn’t do it sooner. They’re not at fault, but they will always have that nagging thought in the back of their mind. I realize everyone is in a unique situation and that the timing is very much terrible, but do consider it, at least. Whether you do or not, you’re still valid and you matter!

Not directly in your life, but you still need to know that you are valid! Coming from someone who is afraid that I will be hearing more of that in the future, we need to stand together. It’s sickening. And it shouldn’t be this way.

I go for my first HRT consult tomorrow. This hit me right in the feels. Hopefully those start working again after I get new meds

Happy for you! Breaking out of the egg is harder than it feels it should be, but it is so worth doing.

I would constantly tell the women to use the men’s room before distance running events because it was always empty and their line was down the street. Nobody cares! Why should anyone suffer that when it isn’t necessary? Especially for people with conditions like IBS, restroom restrictions just seem like punishment.

The issue with this thinking is that it ignores that elected officials are proposing this legislation at all, usually to whip up support in their voter base. Which means that their voters want it, or they believe they do. Some part of the population wants it to happen, and those people are dangerous to us whether bills like this pass or not. Texas still belongs on a “do not travel” list, even if there are internal enclaves of sanity and compassion within the state.

I will add to the other excellent comments here: there are no perfect times. Waiting for everything to align just so will prevent everything from ever happening. Pick a goal and start it. Now. It seems like you took the first step, so congratulations! I’m not bitter about it, but I am an example of what happens when you wait for perfect alignment. You may wake up one day and say “why did I let the last decade go by in a fog instead of taking action” and regret missing some of your best years living as the real you. Don’t wait for any conditions, just improve the ones you have as you go.

Thank you!

Well, I finally came out to my spouse after a decade feeling trapped. The support I received was more than I could have ever hoped for from them! And this community seems pretty fantastic. So for once in what feels like forever, this one was a good week. There’s always hope and someone who will love you for who you are. You just have to find them! ;{