Just Begining

[Guest sarah f]

I am new to this site and just begining my journey to possibly fullfilling my dream of transitioning MTF. I have always dreamed about this since I wan a young child. I always thought to myself that I should have been born a girl. I have tried to live as a male but continue to struggle with it everyday. I am married and have 3 kids but still to this day I think to myself this is not me. I want what has always been in my mind and heart but struggle with what will happen with my family if I make the transition. I don't want to lose everyone but this is what I know I have to do at this point in my life. I am in my 30's and don't want to waste anymore time than I already have. I hope to talk to some users to help me with my struggles that I have had with coming to this decision in my life.

Sincerely,

Sarah

[Guest Pól]

Hi Sarah, and welcome to the Playground!

You're at a scary point of transition, but you've got lots of good company here. We've definitely got members who've transitioned and been able to keep their relationships with their family members. I'm sure there will be some folks along who can offer you more concrete advice than I can, but for now, feel free to jump in and start posting. I'm glad to see you here, and I'm looking forward to seeing you around the forums!

Best,

Pól

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Hi Sarah and Welcome!

Dear, it is really good that you have joined Laura's. I know that you are worried about your marriage and your kids regarding your transitioning. No marriage is the same. For me and some others, we ended up divorced. Even divorced, my relationship with my kids remained strong. For others, after coming out, the marriage remained intact. Each of us have a unique experience regarding coming out to our spouses. All I can suggest now is that you hang with us and get to understand yourself better before you make any moves.

Love

Brenda

[Carolyn Marie]

Hi, Sarah, and welcome to Laura's!

Lets see, I do believe I have some of Sally's cookies left, and how about a nice cup of hot cocoa and a seat in the Member's Lounge? That better? Good!

Honey, Brenda is right, you really have come to the right place. There is so much information here, and so many wonderful, supportive people.

I'm one of the older "matrons" at 55, and I'm just beginning my transition. I have a wife and a 16 year old child, so I understand all too well the

trauma of starting this journey. It is nothing to be taken lightly, but it can be done and has been done. Marriages can survive - my spouse

has been supportive and loving since I came out to her in August, but the future is, of course, uncertain. So please don't assume that your

family will be lost to you. It doesn't have to be that way.

Our best advice is to seek out a gender therapist if you have one close by. There are other options if you do not. Please read through the forums,

ask your questions, learn, and make friends. We will be here to support you all the way.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest viv]

Hello Sarah,

Welcome to Laura"s. We are a friendly bunch of folks here who

have amassed a huge amount of info re Trans issues and of course, are

ready and willing to help and advise . So , have a look around hun and

get to know a little about the Playground . I look forward to reading your

contributions. Luv,viv

[Guest Donna Jean]

Good morning, Sarah...

How are you?

Welcome to the Playground.

I know that you're going to love it here.

All of this can be very scary, your feelings, what to do, how to go about it....

It takes friends and support and that's what you'll find here.

So, I suggest that you start reading and posting and everyone will help and support you.....OK?

It's so nice to have you!

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest ricka]

Welcome to Laura's, Sarah! You will find incredible understanding and support here no matter what issues you are dealing with and no matter where you are in your journey. I have found Laura's a place to find validation as you will too.

Hugs--Ricka

[Guest van-na]

Hi Sarah ,

<<hug>>

Welcome to Laura's Playground.

Please feel free to come over and chat sometime.

The Chat room does require another registration that is separate from from your forums one.

Please read the chat room rules before coming in, and expect a short interview with one of the chat room moderators.

One of the things that they will ask you is if you read the rules.

We have MTF meetings-Mon & Sat 9pm est, and you are welcome to attend.

We all look forward to seeing you.

[Guest Amanda joan]

Hello Sarah,

Welcome to Laura's Playground.

I am on the same path as you a few steps ahead, so maybe I can help you along. We are all here to help and support each other. You risk allot coming out and starting to transition. It is a hard place to be. I have been strugling with these emotions for the last few months. Take your time to understand what is important to you. Plan some simple steps to take that will make you feel good about what you are doing. Grown out your hair or shave you face clean. Simple steps to make you feel like you are moving forward. Having a therapists is key to getting all your feeling delt with. Be honest with you wife and help her to understand what you are going through. You don't have to give up everyone you love to transition. You will have to help them transition right along with you.

So let's talk some more soon.

Peace & Love Amanda

[Guest Michele H]

Hi, Sarah, and welcome to Laura's!

I'm one of the older "matrons" at 55, and I'm just beginning my transition.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

I wasn't feeling THAT old until now - if 55 qualifies for "Older Matrton" - what about 63? Really ancient crone? Seariously thou, there are people here of all ages -Welcome

[Guest sarah f]

Hi, Sarah, and welcome to Laura's!

Lets see, I do believe I have some of Sally's cookies left, and how about a nice cup of hot cocoa and a seat in the Member's Lounge? That better? Good!

Honey, Brenda is right, you really have come to the right place. There is so much information here, and so many wonderful, supportive people.

I'm one of the older "matrons" at 55, and I'm just beginning my transition. I have a wife and a 16 year old child, so I understand all too well the

trauma of starting this journey. It is nothing to be taken lightly, but it can be done and has been done. Marriages can survive - my spouse

has been supportive and loving since I came out to her in August, but the future is, of course, uncertain. So please don't assume that your

family will be lost to you. It doesn't have to be that way.

Our best advice is to seek out a gender therapist if you have one close by. There are other options if you do not. Please read through the forums,

ask your questions, learn, and make friends. We will be here to support you all the way.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

Thank You for your support and hope you have an easy transition yourself.

[Guest sarah f]

Hello Sarah,

Welcome to Laura's Playground.

I am on the same path as you a few steps ahead, so maybe I can help you along. We are all here to help and support each other. You risk allot coming out and starting to transition. It is a hard place to be. I have been strugling with these emotions for the last few months. Take your time to understand what is important to you. Plan some simple steps to take that will make you feel good about what you are doing. Grown out your hair or shave you face clean. Simple steps to make you feel like you are moving forward. Having a therapists is key to getting all your feeling delt with. Be honest with you wife and help her to understand what you are going through. You don't have to give up everyone you love to transition. You will have to help them transition right along with you.

So let's talk some more soon.

Peace & Love Amanda

Thank You for your support. I will enjoy talking to each and everyone in this site as I know this is not easy for most of us.

[Guest sarah f]

Hi Sarah and Welcome!

Dear, it is really good that you have joined Laura's. I know that you are worried about your marriage and your kids regarding your transitioning. No marriage is the same. For me and some others, we ended up divorced. Even divorced, my relationship with my kids remained strong. For others, after coming out, the marriage remained intact. Each of us have a unique experience regarding coming out to our spouses. All I can suggest now is that you hang with us and get to understand yourself better before you make any moves.

Love

Brenda

Thank You, and I hope to be able to have a strong of relationship with my kids as you did after the change.