General Questions

[Guest Jenny1]

Hi, I, Jenny Graetz, am a 17-year-old pre-transition mtf transsexual, and I am looking for advice.

Is it a good idea to see a school councilor?

Do you know any good way of introducing this issue to someone?

I am intending on majoring in Computer Science at a nice tech college - Rose Hulman, Case Western, Carnegie Melon - but I am worried that it would be a bad idea to start transitioning before attending college, especially because I have been told that many of these colleges are very conservative, and would not be able to accept someone like me.

Thanks,

Jenny

[Guest Jenny1]

Btw, I am lucky enough to go to an amazing school where this kind of behavior is well taken - I have long and paint my nails, but have never experienced any physical abuse, and the only verbal abuse i have received was about my lack of muscles. It is also a very small school - less than 50 per class, so everyone knows everything pretty much.

[Guest Evan_J]

Hola

First, I gotta do it, "GO CARNEGIE MELON!!!" -ok, I'm good now, just hadda cuz once upon a time (ah over 20 years now...) it was on my list of prospectives (my other options were Cornell and Fisk). And I guess -from the way you sound- its still pretty much the same at schools like that. Yes, bastion of Republicanesque ideas, conservativism, and "right images" even if they are lies. I know all the reasons to want "that" intro to your adult life and ....honestly..... I can't tell you "don't want it." Its a lot to lose if you want ....I take that back.....if you need the life it can lead to. HOWEVER, when the day is done and you're there with you and thats all be sure you can live with it; possibly giving up "you" that is.

The "perfect" answer is get the education and be you. But it really is hard if its not just "an education" but signing into a way of living. It can be either. Only you know which one it is. And truthfully you will likely be given a hard time there as someone trans. (How is it helpful to you for me to lie?) Think about it carefully. If you find you "need" to go there, do. But don't be afraid to leave if you have to.

Although I don't know how to introduce the subject, I'm all for going to the school counselor. Counseling period is always good.

[Guest Emily1]

First off, I have decided on my female name - Emily (instead of Jenny, which is now my middle name).

I finally came out to my parents yesterday, and they took it fine!

The only non-positive things they said were only said to make sure that I don't wind up getting hurt - making sure that I'm pretty sure that I know what I'm getting into. They were very pleased to find out the name I chose because it is the name they would have given me if i were born female.

Also, today, i met with my school councilor, and we basically just talked about a list I had made of examples of times I acted transsexual. She said (after I gave her permission) that she will recommend a therapist in the area that has some experience with this.

Finally, I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooo glad that my girlfriend is fine with this - she wants to stay together, whatever I decide to do!!!!

-Emily Jennifer Graetz

[Guest Evan_J]

Congratulations Emily Jennifer

[Guest Donna Jean]

Yay, Emily!!!

So good for you! And for my 2 cents worth I pick...(drum roll).......

Case Western Reserve .!!!!! TA DA!!!

Yeah, Evan is right (as usual)...get the education. Its so important and means the difference between pay check to pay check and a comfortable life in the future. And deciding on the councilor is a top notch plan...always good!

By he way...Emily is a beautiful name....

Hugs

Donna Jean