"could It Be Something Else?"

[Guest Ruben]

OK, sketch;

so you're feeling different from people around you, something is 'wrong.' And you think it may be that you're not of the sex/gender your body tells you you are.

While wondering about this (for those, I suppose, who were not 100% positive since they were small), have you considered 'other options' of what 'could be wrong'???

My thing here; I sorta figured that now, at 22, I want to 'explain mysellf', figure out why I am the way I am - a bit 'different' from the rest. Initially I found a lot of recognition in ADD - only after I read an article about a transsexual & had to write down how I was as a child for the ADD thing did I begin taking this 'option' serious (the thought'd crossed my mind but never... stuck). So here now I'm wondering if maybe I'm just ... messing about trying to find something to explain myself. And it's like I'm sorta 'spreading my options.' I have an intake conversation regarding ADD even though right now I feel that perhaps part of the things I recognize myself in in that are due to chronic lack of sleep and such, I dunno.

So, guess I'm wondering if it's 'normal' to think of several things that might 'explain' (I've crossed through some 'disorders', too, - I'm not bipolar, or detached, or sociopathic, or anything like that, so I'm not a TOTAL hypochondric).

Thnx.

Ruben

[Guest angie]

Good Morning Ruben,

Welcome to the Playground first off.And to the wonderus world of the chronic

lack of sleep club,I am a member also,oh what joy eh?

I think it is good that you are questioning.Marking them off one by one as you

try,and then discard,trying to figure out what is wrong with you.We are here for

support,but can not give a diagnosis.If you think you may have gender identity

issues,I would recommend finding a gender therapist,and passing it through them.

Many of us know from a very early age that everything wasn't all right in genderland.

While others take counciling to help them with this issue.I can say that if you are not

comfortable in your genetic gender,always felt alienated from your peers,Well you just

may be transgendered.I am glad you found us,and suggest,going by your name used,

trying the FTM section,if you are gg by birth that is,or which ever section you feel may

be who you identify with.The FTM section is for the guys,where you can talk to other like

minded folks.Notice I am trying not to peg you as one or the other,but only making a suggestion.

Which ever,I am just glad to have you be a part of the best support on the web.

Warm Hugs,

Angie

[Guest Ruben]

Hey Angie!!!

Im actually in a different timezone so for once I posted something during the day --- hehe but I do tend to be up at odd hours so greetings fellow insomniac.

I talked to, I'm not sure he's an actual therpaist, but a man from the organisation over here. It was good. He did say he got the imperssion there was at least a lot of transgenderism going on.

& thanks for the warm welcome-message!

Ruben

[Guest Soph]

I think anyone who didn't question whether it was something else would be truly crazy.

Nobody wants to be transsexual. They just are.

And the connotations of such an identity are wide ranging and very strong.

When you realize just how much transition is going to cost, both financially and emotionally, the natural reaction is to look for an alternative; maybe I'm just gay. Maybe I'm just using it to explain my depression. Maybe blah blah, the list can go on.

However, there is a voice somewhere inside of you that knows who you are, and while this voice might be overpowered by these voices of doubt and fear, it will always come back. This is the voice of reason: the voice of happiness.

So yes, I've considered that I may be wrong about my gender identity. But then I have to ask why I'm fretting about it at all. If there was nothing wrong with my gender or body, then why would I be upset at all? I'm fairly certain cisgendered people don't ever feel that way about their bodies.

And for me, one thing that has always helped to clear out doubt is the fact that I cannot, no matter how hard I try, understand how I could be happy as a male. It is just something I cannot process.

Like what Angie said, finding a gender therapist is extremely important in clarifying these doubts that you may have. You may find that your experience is not at all uncommon, that things that you used to doubt are used widespread among the community, and that the emotions you have are typical. And don't be disappointed if you don't, either. Everybody is different. If you are sure within yourself, then it is right for you.

Hope I helped

[Guest Zabrak]

When I found out others felt like me, and that I could change my body to fit my mind I was first scared and happy. I did doubt myself in the back of my head because there are so many dangers to being a transboy. However, I ultimately choose the right choice for me which was to keep going and change my outside to match my inside.

Do whatever soul searching you need to make the correct choice for yourself. Talk to a therapist(if you can afford one) and DO NOT lie about things because lieing will only set yourself back.

[Guest Edu]

I have been exploring possibilities for some years, and I'm exploring them even now. Currently, I'm keeping with the MTF Transsexual label simply because it's the one that most closely seems to describe my case, but who can know for sure?

I keep myself open to anything that makes enough sense to at least tie with that label. Actually, my issues could probably also be quite explained through a set of personality issues and childhood trauma's; but as long as transsexualism explains them better and more simply, that's where my opinion stays.

Regards,

Ethain

[Guest Ruben]

When you realize just how much transition is going to cost, both financially and emotionally, the natural reaction is to look for an alternative;

If there was nothing wrong with my gender or body, then why would I be upset at all? I'm fairly certain cisgendered people don't ever feel that way about their bodies.

Whoa - the entire post, but htese two bits in particular - whoa!!!

The first is exactly what is going on here. As soon as I start thinking about 'I'd have to tell my parents, it'd cost me years, etc'

I tend to go 'naah, you know what, I don't think I'm really transanything at all.' So that's def. in the way ofme looking at things honestly.

& I did see someone last week, meeting again next Thursday. It was good!

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!