First Steps?

[Guest Deborah S]

Up until now the issue of transgender identity has been a totally private matter for me. I am thinking that now might be the time to at least discuss this with others. I am hoping that this is the right place to start.

I am male-bodied; I regard myself as androgynous. I cannot honestly say that I regard myself as a woman inside a man's body, but nor do I feel that I am merely a heterosexual male who enjoys a little kinky play-acting. I wouldn't describe myself as TV, as the feeling is not particularly focused on clothes.

The online world seems to present great opportunities for experimenting with a female identity. It's a big world, of which I know little, so I would greatly appreciate some guidance. Three avenues I wish to avoid are:

1) Callous casual sex and porn.

2) Merely taking on a female online identity without ever telling anyone that I am actually male-bodied. This is probably common, and may be considered ethically acceptable within the culture, but to me it feels dishonest, and my secret would be a lonely one (if you disagree with my impression of this, please do say so).

3) Jumping in at the deep end, to be surrounded by people more confident, experienced and definite then I am.

Any advice would be really, really appreciated.

Love,

Deborah

[Guest Donna Jean]

Up until now the issue of transgender identity has been a totally private matter for me. I am thinking that now might be the time to at least discuss this with others. I am hoping that this is the right place to start.

YUP! This is the right place, alright!

Welcome to the Playground, Hon...

I'm Donna Jean!

I am male-bodied; I regard myself as androgynous. I cannot honestly say that I regard myself as a woman inside a man's body, but nor do I feel that I am merely a heterosexual male who enjoys a little kinky play-acting. I wouldn't describe myself as TV, as the feeling is not particularly focused on clothes.

Well, here we believe that gender is a spectrum with male on one end and female on the other..everything else lies in between and one need to only go to the spot that they are comfortable!

The online world seems to present great opportunities for experimenting with a female identity. It's a big world, of which I know little, so I would greatly appreciate some guidance.

We'll do our best....ok?

Three avenues I wish to avoid are:

1) Callous casual sex and porn.

Nope! Not allowed here..we're moderated and we are NOT a dating or pick-up site...Those posts do not get posted...

Please see the Terms and Conditions above to see how safe we are,.....

2) Merely taking on a female online identity without ever telling anyone that I am actually male-bodied. This is probably common, and may be considered ethically acceptable within the culture, but to me it feels dishonest, and my secret would be a lonely one (if you disagree with my impression of this, please do say so).

Nope, again....everyone here is honest about their birth gender, orientatiion and most everything else...no playacting...

3) Jumping in at the deep end, to be surrounded by people more confident, experienced and definite then I am.

Honey...I'm male to female and I've just went full time...19 months HRT...

BUT we have people here that are only exploring themselves like you... all thye way up through post-op...

Don't worry..there's plenty of shallow watrer to wade around in....ok?

Any advice would be really, really appreciated.

Well, just ask questions and people will come to talk!

It's nice to have you here!

Love,

Deborah

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[JJ]

Hi Deborah,

Welcome to Laura's.

This is a PG-13 site and within those parameters you have found a wonderful place to be yourself, find information and advise, and be accepted for who you are.

We are not therapists and the best way to answer your question is with a Gender Therapist but we will be happy to share our experiences and advise. We understand and are happy to help.

Because we are a forum there won't be any need to fool anyone here-just be yourself. There is no porn or material inappropriate to PG-13 allowed-we are moderated, and we will respond to you one on one. Some of us have lots of experience and are further along in their journey where some are like you still discovering who they are. We are all along the spectrum

So once again welcome-feel free to roam around and explore the forums and post your questions, opinions and experiences.

JohnJ

[Guest miss kindheart]

Hi Deborah,

<<< hug >>>

Welcome to Laura's Playground.

Just be true to your self, and then you can truthful to others

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 Androgyne meetings Sat & Weds 9pm est est and you are welcome to attend.

We all look forward to seeing you.

vanna

[Guest Deborah S]

Thanks ever so much, Donna Jean. Great to meet you. It looks like I've found the right place. I'll be back!

Love,

Deborah x

[Guest Deborah S]

Great. Thanks ever so much, JohnJ. Laura's Playground sounds wonderful.

Love,

Deborah x

Hi Deborah,

Welcome to Laura's.

This is a PG-13 site and within those parameters you have found a wonderful place to be yourself, find information and advise, and be accepted for who you are.

We are not therapists and the best way to answer your question is with a Gender Therapist but we will be happy to share our experiences and advise. We understand and are happy to help.

Because we are a forum there won't be any need to fool anyone here-just be yourself. There is no porn or material inappropriate to PG-13 allowed-we are moderated, and we will respond to you one on one. Some of us have lots of experience and are further along in their journey where some are like you still discovering who they are. We are all along the spectrum

So once again welcome-feel free to roam around and explore the forums and post your questions, opinions and experiences.

JohnJ

[Guest Deborah S]

Thanks a lot, Vanna, for this friendly welcome! I do hope to attend your chats, although the times of the Androgyne meetings aren't great as I'm not living in the USA.

Love,

Deborah x

Hi Deborah,

<<< hug >>>

Welcome to Laura's Playground.

Just be true to your self, and then you can truthful to others

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 Androgyne meetings Sat & Weds 9pm est est and you are welcome to attend.

We all look forward to seeing you.

vanna