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[Guest GIUnknown]

Not really sure what to say about myself because I hardly know who I am anymore. This is the first time that I am actually speaking of me being transgendered and I haven't had the best social life, so it is difficult for me to talk about it and I might leave some things out or be vague at times.

I am an 18 year old MT? (Well technically I am only 4 1/2 because I was born on leap year). Looking back, I have always been a little... different, even though I didn't realize it at the time. I was too young to understand the differences in gender roles. To my parents, it was just a phase, and as far as they know, I grew out of it a long time ago. But truth be told, I just got smarter and learned to hide it from the world. And since then, I have not spoken a word of it to anyone.

Why have I kept this to myself? For a lot of reasons, the main one being that I am not even sure if I trully am transgendered. All my life, I've been searching for answers, which led me to this website. I was googling for information a few years back when I came across this very helpfull site. I only just recently however discovered a seperate forum for people looking for help on trying to identify which groop they belong to, which finally made me want to become a member. I do realize the only way to find out for sure which group you belong to is to see a therapist, but I wanted to first see if I even had a problem; but I'm saving that discussion for that forum.

In short, I'm excited to be here, hoping I might find some answers and lift some of my depression through talking.

P.S. This is probably the most I have said at one time in my entire life.

[MaryEllen]

Hello GIUnknown ,

Welcome to Laura's Playground. We're glad you found us. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We're here to help in any way we can.

MaryEllen

[Guest Donna Jean]

Dearheart...

Listen to me....OK?

I know that you are confused...

That's understandable....

We all have been...

Tell you what...

Hang around here and talk with us a bit....OK?

I think that we can be of help to you....

LOVE

Donna Jean

[Guest Leigh]

welcome to the playground, i'm sure you'll find some help somewhere in these forums.

best of luck.

peace&love

[Guest ~Brenda~]

My Dear

Come in from the cold of uncertainty and doubt. Let the warmth of Laura's sooth your soul as you learn more about yourself

Peace and Love

Brenda

[Guest Alex Blitzen]

Welcome to Laura's

[Sally]

I always like to welcome people, especially the shy ones to the forums by offering them a cup of hot cocoa and some fresh from the oven cookies - it just seems more friendly to say hi with a snack.

So come on and have a seat, I want you to hold the cup in both hands, now hold it close to your lips, just under your nose - do you feel the warmth?

That warmth is not coming from the cocoa, it is coming from all of the loving and caring people here to support you.

You are now a part of our wonderful family - Welcome.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest swee'pea]

Hi,

<<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 all look forward to seeing you.

vanna

[Guest GIUnknown]

Thank you all for such a warm welcome. This hot cocoa tastes so good. I look forward to being a member of such a warm-hearted, loving and caring group.

[Guest ricka]

Hi Hon---a warm welcome to Laura's. At 18 gender identity and sexual preference are not yet fully developed for many of us and for cismales it can take a little longer, so Hon, there is nothing abnormal that at this age you are on a journey of discovery about your gender identity. The wonderful thing about Laura's is that this is a place to belong, regardless of where your journey takes you. All of us here find ourselves outside the norm, whatever that is. We are all a family here, accepting, non-judgmental, and most of all caring.

Hugs, Ricka