Hey

[Guest Kaz]

Hey,

hmmm well, i'm thirty and until really recently i dealt with my gender issues by identifying as a lesbian ( and a pretty butch one at that) . Actually from a young age i was tomboyish (refused to wear skirts, make up etc.) and never ever felt like a girl but assumed this was part of being a lesbian which i also 'knew' i was from quite early on.

Then while researching gender issues for a novel i'm writing (gender and gender identity are a big part of a lot of my fiction - i wonder why!!) i suddenly realised that maybe feeling not like a girl but like a boy made me not a lesbian but transgendered....even though i've read about trans people and watched documentaries on tv i still found this idea very surprising.

So i did some internet searches and found this place, i've been lurking for a while now but thought it was about time i showed myself Thing is i suck at forums, i have difficulties with socialising (autistic traits) and i'm shy - i read a lot of forums but find posting more difficult - i'm going to really TRY here though - you all seem so nice

I'm in the UK so i know things like transitioning etc work differently here. There's much fewer UK sites and every thing seems more low key. I know i have to see a doctor at some point but really talk of hormones, surgery etc. seems rather overwhelming...so i guess ill take it slow for now.

Kaz

[Guest Donna Jean]

Good morning, Kaz...(well, it still is here!)

How are you, Hon?

I'm glad that you quit lurking and got in here...now we won't have to keep wiping the nose prints off the outside of the window!

Tell you what....how about a couple slices of pizza and a cold drink?....

You can sit over here by me and we'll just wait for some of the others to come and say "Hi!"......OK?

The site is moderated so it's kept safe from the bad people and you are free to just be you...no one is judged here!

Be sure to check out all of the forums and even chat if you feel quick enough (I'm not...lol!)

It's really good to have you here, Hon.....

Just relax and enjoy yourself!

HUGGS!!

Donna Jean

[Guest Robin Winter]

Hiya Kaz, 'n welcome to Laura's

*Hugs*

Shi

[Guest nayomi2438]

Hi and welcome,

Like you I am new to this as well but I have found that you will only find peace, love, friendship, and comfort here. We all have our own unique stories but we share a common reality in facing the world and the worse possible situation is believing we are alone. I recently wrote in a post:

" I am a reject of society. I am a freak, a travesty to nature, my life is a storm of confusion, I have no identity, and my behavior is detrimental to others. I must correct this, I cannot continue on this path for if I do I will forever be ashamed and die alone.

I want anyone lurking around this forum feeling that way to understand that is total bunk! I am a person. An individual with freedom of expression. An emotional vessel containing love, joy and happiness. I am a caring member of society. I can give love and receive love. There is no doubt as to who I am. I am me. I love me. "

Laura’s taught me that. Taught me that sharing is sooooo important. So please feel free to express yourself and I hope we can help you make your journey.

[Carolyn Marie]

Kaz, welcome to Laura's! It's great to meet you.

I see that Donna Jean has got you all settled in, so relax and enjoy.

You will find this place to be full of the most wonderful people. I know you

will make friends here. We've got lots of fellow FtM's, including some Moderators

who will pop in here any time now to introduce themselves.

As far as posting skills - well I'm pretty impressed with your first post, so you're on

a roll. You're doing just fine. We don't judge, and I keep my red editing pencil in

my pocket.

After five posts you can send private messages to members if you have a question

that you don't want to discuss in the forums.

I look forward to hearing more about you.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Hi Kaz and Welcome!!!

I am glad that you have come out of your shell to join in the fun here at Laura's

Many of us tend to be a little awkward socially. I am just a basket case when I have to be around a lot of people. Here, I can be myself and feel safe

You are safe here Kaz!!

Welcome!

Love

Brenda

[Guest Kaz]

Thanks everyone for your lovely welcomes. I may be unmanly and cry

[Guest Robin Winter]

Thanks everyone for your lovely welcomes. I may be unmanly and cry

*Sneaks you a tissue*

[Guest Donna Jean]

*sneaks a huggg*

Donna Jean

[Guest Shane_82]

Welcome

~ Shane

[Guest erikka2046]

Hi Kaz,

Welcome

Luv

Erikka

[Guest Jean Davis]

Hi Kaz

Welcome to Laura's, so nice to meet you.

Please don't worry about being shy, most people are but with all the wonderful people here it won't take long to warm up to us.

If you have read some of my posts you have probably seen that I throw a little humor in every once and a while, well this is my way of confronting the shy or uncomfortable feeling I get from time to time. The people here are very understanding and probably knew what I was doing before I did.

Anyways, after 5 posts you can PM anyone here at Laura's and chat one on one. Perhaps we could chat sometime, I just love to chat.

LUV

Jean

[Guest Zabrak]

Welcome to the forum. Theres a good amount from the UK here so I'm sure you'll feel right at home!