Hello! New To This Forum!

[Guest Natalie92]

I wanted to say introduce myself. I am 17 years old, not really sure wether I'm transgendered or a transexual, but I DO know that although I was born a male, I'm a female on the inside. I've had these feelings on and off for the past several years, and mainly dismissed them as a phase. That is until I realized that I was attracted to men, and once the feelings came back, I figured something might be up. Right now I'm in the middle of deciding what my name will be once I start transitioning, but I've narrowed it down to Natalie and Melanie. The only person that knows (orn even suspects) that I'm trans. is my best friend (she was the one who suggested that my new name be Natalie). If you want to adress me by name, for now either is fine. It might actually help me decide on a name . All of my other friends think I'm gay. The only person in my family who knows ANYTHING is my mother, who found out that I was attrated to guys, but is so homophobic and couldn't bear to know that her own kid is "weird" in any way that she assured me that I'd outgrow this 'phase'. I currently live in Virginia, US and am a Senior in High School, but plan on moving to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, PA to go to college.

[Guest joeytheman16]

Welcome to the Playground Natalie!

Sorry about your mom. That's gotta be harsh. Let me know if you ever want to talk.

Joey

[Guest Donna Jean]

Well, Hello Natalie!

It's so nice to meet you!

I'm Donna Jean and I'd like to get you comfy by offering you some of Sally's Double chocolate Chip cookies and some nice hot coco.....OK?

Good.

Now....

The Playground is a safe moderated place with a bunch of really wonderful people ...many who will be by shortly to say "Hi" to you!

I want you to be sure to check out the teen forum and please do post a lot, too!

You'll find lots of really nice folks and lots to read and do.

So, Make yourself comfy...kick off your shoes and wiggle your toes....

WELCOME TO THE PLAYGROUND!

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest Jean Davis]

Hi Natalie

It's sooo nice to meet you, Welcome to the playground.

I'm sure you'll find some of the answers to your questions here.

The articles are informative and the people are very friendly.

We'll do our best to answer any of your questions and would love to hear your comments on others' topics.

So feel free to jump right in and express yourself..

Hope to hear from you soon.

Jean

[Guest Natalie92]

I have to say, my first hour on here, and I REALLY like this forum already! People are sooo nice on here. I hope it's not just because I'm new. haha!

Welcome to the Playground Natalie!

Sorry about your mom. That's gotta be harsh. Let me know if you ever want to talk.

Joey

Actually Joey, as bad as what happened sounds, it's the best I could've hoped for. I was expecting to be disowned and kicked out of the house. The only reason she found out was because I wasn't being as SUPER cautious as usual. And since she thinks it's a phase, she agreed that she'd forget she ever found out (and her memory SUCKS which will help her keep that promise), which I love the idea of to be honest.

Well, Hello Natalie!

It's so nice to meet you!

I'm Donna Jean and I'd like to get you comfy by offering you some of Sally's Double chocolate Chip cookies and some nice hot coco.....OK?

Good.

Now....

The Playground is a safe moderated place with a bunch of really wonderful people ...many who will be by shortly to say "Hi" to you!

I want you to be sure to check out the teen forum and please do post a lot, too!

You'll find lots of really nice folks and lots to read and do.

So, Make yourself comfy...kick off your shoes and wiggle your toes....

WELCOME TO THE PLAYGROUND!

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

Thank you Donna Jean! I needed the chocolate. Hahaha! And I locked myself in my room so I could take you up on that "make yourself comfy" offer. It's just one of those things you don't even think about until someone suggests it, and then it's like, "OMG! That's sounds like such a good idea! Why didn't I think of that?", you know?

[Carolyn Marie]

Hi, Natalie, and welcome to Laura's. I see you've got your welcome snacks courtesy of my sister Donna Jean.

You will find this to be a wonderful place to hang out, make friends, and learn. There are hundreds of teen

members. You might like the chat rooms too. I don't go there too often - my fingers can't type that

fast. Lol

If you really are sure you are trans, you're going to want to start thinking about a gender therapist

to help you along that path. You'll be able to read all about gender therapists and their role in

the process in the forums, or you can send private messages (PMs) to me or any member once you have

five posts if you have a question or concern.

Please feel at home here, because you are.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest mynw]

welcome Natalie

I am open my hands and huggss you,,

my sweetie you are still so young,

hope please to test your need and wish to confirm what you need

to be in peaceful heart,,

hope for you all best,,

take steps confirm,but wisely ,,

something may you will doing you can't fall back from it,,

love you

Bul..

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Welcome Natalie or if you prefer Melanie,

Both names are lovely. I can tell that you are questioning many things about yourself and are exploring yourself and identity. That is very good! True self-awareness is an important step to being content with who you are.

Let me simply welcome you my darling and I want you to feel comfortable being here and with yourself.

Post to the forums hon. You will learn much more about yourself.

Love and Welcome!!!

Brenda

[Guest Natalie92]

Thanks Jean, Carolyn, Bulbulah, and Brenda!

I know this may sound weird, but it feels a little funny (albeit VERY nice) to have everyone refer to my feminine name, instead of my birth name. Did anyone else have that problem when they first switched names?

Natalie

[Sally]

Hi Natalie,

It is something that you will get used to so quickly and then you will have to remember to answer to and write your birth name when in male mode.

Welcome to the family and enjoy your stay.

You have just made a lot of new friends as well.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Jessica22450]

Welcome to the playground Natalie! as stated there are other teen users here(Like me.) sit back, relax, and enjoy the wild ride. lol