20 , Confused And Trying To Come To Terms With Who I Am

[Guest seanjamie]

Hey I'm 20 I've been struggling with my gender since i was very little and have only just told my psychiatrist. In fact they're the first person i've ever told and it's scary because before this time I had never spoken out loud to anyone on how i feel.

I've always been more of a guy than a girl and it's hard cause both of my sisters are girly and I don't fit anywhere. I spend more time with guys and have always been ruff and tumble when playing, instead of playing with dolls I would be playing with the guys climbing and playing ball and playing with toy cars.

My family still believe me dressing in guy clothes is just a phase, but its not and they seem to view my clothing as inproper and try to make me dress as a girl when I dont want to.

I'm trying to come to terms with myself and figure out who I am and where I fit.

I'm scared.

[MaryEllen]

Hello seanjamie,

Welcome to Laura's Playground. Have you ever talked with a gender therapist? If not you might want to consider it. He/she could help you with the confusion you're having. The unknown is scary so I know where you're coming from. You don't have to be afraid to talk to us. We've all been there, done that. We're not here to judge you so don't be afraid to ask questions. We'll help to the best of our abilities.

MaryEllen

[Guest Donna Jean]

Hello, Sean....

Welcome to the Playground, Honey....

Now, lots of us are scared...we're not what people expect us to be and until we all get together here, it can be a lonely life..

But, you've found kindred spirits here.

Sit down and let me get you some hot pizza and a cold drink...kick off your shoes and just relax....OK?

There is a link up top of this page where you can check out the forum rules...

And, we moderate this site to keep it safe!

And, my parents thought I was going through a phase, too....

It lasted 60 years!

It's nice to have you with us....

Just relax and enjoy yourself...OK?

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest Evan_J]

*Spys the new dude, makes a note, gives a nod

(<--randomly silent, it doesn't last forever)

[Guest A.S.]

***walking in to see a new person***

Welcome to Laura's. Hope you enjoy as much as I do on here... Here they will do their best to help what they can do.

Also I can do my best to help anyway I can...

Welcome

A.S

[Carolyn Marie]

Welcome to the Playground, Seanjamie.

I know how hard it can be to convince parents you're serious and that your feelings are real. Some of us are middle aged and still have that problem with

our parents.

I'm glad your talking with a therapist/pschiatrist about your issues and concerns. If they are familiar with GID that's great, and they should be able to help you.

If they don't know, you can download and print the Standards of Care for GID from this site and give it to them. Either that, or perhaps they can find a gender

specialist in the area for you.

Look around the various forums and make yourself at home, because you are.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Alex Blitzen]

Welcome to Laura's

[Guest seanjamie]

Thanks for the welcome

[Guest JeanVier]

Seanjamie--

Welcome to Laura's, 'bro. I think it is almost impossible NOT to be scared at this point, or at any point before/during/after transition, because you have to take a stand to tell the world (and people that mean so much to you) that they haven't 'seen' you, or at least the Real You. So, they dismiss your revelations as a phase, because they want you to be who they have created in their minds-- and change is scary for everyone. Hang in there.

You are so brave for initiating a conversation with your psychiatrist!! Some of us (*points at self*) have yet to get that far. Keep us updated on how that goes, and I hope to see you in the forums, especially the FTM and Teens forums!

-JV

[Guest Elizabeth K]

WHOA - another dude! Yes - you belong here! I am glad you found us!

One of those pesky girls - Lizzy

[Guest Leigh]

welcome to the playground.

i can tell you one thing for certain, we don't think you're going through a phase,

and we'll do our best to support you whatever you decide to do.

peace&love

leigh

[Guest My_Genesis]

Hey welcome to Laura's. I'm also 20 and just recently decided to start transition. I guess the scariest part of the whole "coming out" thing is the actual coming out. After that it's not so bad.

[Guest swee'pea]

Hi seanjamie,

<<curtsey>>

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 FTM meetings -Mon & Fri 8pm est, and you are welcome to attend.

We all look forward to seeing you.

vanna

[Guest Yinyang Mist]

Hiya I would just like to add they have a nice chat room here, people talk about some of the things that are most on your mind, Because it is on there minds as well.

[Guest Fredsmydog1]

Welcome!

andrew

[Guest KellyKat]

Hi Sean

Welcome to Laura's! I'm so glad you found us. This is a place where you can be yourself.

We are all here for each other to help and support.

Luv Kat