Hiyas!

[Guest kyattei]

Hiyas everyone, I'm Katie~ ^^ ..well, not yet, but I will be one day! I'm a 22-year-old Canadian MTF, though I'm just going to be starting my transition... I'm pretty strong-willed and always knew I wanted to get a sex change ever since I was little, but I've never been able to act on it because my parents are fiercely lgbt-phobic. All I was ever able to do was read about transitioning online in secret and save what I could... But a week ago, I finally got my very own apartment and all the privacy and freedom I could ask for!

I can't wait to start buying my first girl clothes and getting hormone therapy and electrolysis! ...that's what I want to do, anyways, but I know the more mature idea would to be wait a couple months while keeping track of my expenses to see what kind of monthly budget I have to work with first... it's still so tempting to jump right into all that, though!

Anyhows, I'm here because I'd like to make some Transgender and/or open-minded friends. And, if I'm lucky, find a nearby real-life trans or lgbt support group where I could make some local friends for once and find out about therapists and other services around here. (Is asking about local support groups or if people know good therapists/etc in my city against the rules? I know asking about personal information is, but does that include those too? I don't want to get in trouble but I haven't had much luck in figuring out where to start or making friends here yet.)

Well, thanks for reading. :3

[Guest Jean Davis]

Hey Katie

So nice to meet you, welcome to the playground.

I think that it is very wise of you to wait and see what your budget will look like. This way you can plan ahead and when you do start you won't get stalled quite as easily because of financial problems. And there is definately nothing wrong with setting your own pace, the more you prepare and educate yourself the easier your transition will be.

As for making friends, that won't be hard here, there are so many friendly people here at Laura's that you'll have friends in no time.

Then when you get 5+ posts under your belt you'll be able to PM anyone here. And I for one just love to chat, so feel free to PM me when you can.

The playground has a page of therapists, perhaps there is one there that is close to where you live. And as far as personal info goes, no adresses or names (can't get any closer than city and state). this is for your own protection so don't even give them out in a PM if you don't trust the individual you're chatting with.

Anyways more of our family should come along shortly to say HI and usually they bring some treats along. I would have but I'm a lousy cook.

LUV

Jean

[Guest Leigh]

welcome to the playground, i'm sure you'll find lots of friends and advice here.

best of luck.

peace&love

leigh

[Sally]

Hi Katie,

Welcome to the forums.

I have a fresh batch of cookies and some hot cocoa for you.

We are pretty friendly here and others will come by to meet you, grab a couple of extras before they arrive because they are a hugry lot as well.

Welcome to the family.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest rachael1]

Hi Katie,

Welcome to Lauras.

you must be so excited to be in your own place.

Time to run amok.

You better hurry and grab some cookies as I am quite partial to them.

Rachael

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Welcome Katie!!!

Welcome sweetie to Laura's Playground!!! Yes indeed sweetheart you will make friends here!!! Laura's is full of wonderful, beautiful, friendly people who will help you and make you feel at home. It is certainly OK to ask about if anyone knows about any LGBT support groups iand gender therapists in your city. I am sure that you will find that crossdressing is just uplifiting!! I am excited for you that you are now in a position to express yourself.

I know that you can't wait to start your transitioning, but sweetheart you have to go through a gender therapist to get on Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Take things one step at a time hon and be honest with your therapist. It is important that you follow the wpath Standards of Care to transition properly and safely.

There are gender therapists available online!!!

Welcome hon!!

Brenda

Oh, one minor note... we prefer transgendered, trans, gender-gifted over the word "Transgender"

[Guest kyattei]

Ah, thank you everyone for the warm welcome and yummy treats! ^^

The playground has a page of therapists, perhaps there is one there that is close to where you live.

Thanks, I've seen that list before and the one on tsroadmap. The nearest ones tend to be in toronto which is a few hours away, and I don't drive and am sorta afraid of travelling... I'd like to find a closer one if I can, but haven't had any luck in any web or phonebook searches yet.

you must be so excited to be in your own place. biggrin.gif

Time to run amok.

I am! But the excitement and desire to run amuk both kind of die down when you realize just how much work it is to do every bit of cleaning yourself for a full place... x3;; I have a new respect for every cleaner and independent person xD;;;

There are gender therapists available online!!!

Really? I didn't know that! @.@ Can they even provide perscriptions for hormones and recommend you for SRS without having physically met you...?

Oh, one minor note... we prefer transgendered, trans, gender-gifted over the word "Transgender"

Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't know it was an improper term, I didn't mean to offend anyone...

Thanks again for your greetings all!

[Carolyn Marie]

Hi, Katie! Its great to meet you. You've come to the right place, for sure.

I hope you find everything you need here as well as many friends.

We're very glad to have you.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Amanda joan]

Hi Katie,

Welcome I am glade you are here.

It is hard to be patient, Oh Honey I know!

I am in a similar place but, much older and with many different concerns. We will travel this path together and as my Therapist says you need to get on the train and once you do then you can decide how far you want to go down the tracks toward the final surgery to become a woman. There is much we need to do to get there and it will take a long time but, I intend to enjoy the journey.

I wish you happiness

Peace & Love Amanda