New to the forum - Hello

[Guest tx_newbie]

Hello all - it's been about one week since I joined the forum, and I figured now's about time for introductions.

Although I'm new to the forum, I'm not really new to being TG. I'm currently 34 y/o, born a biological XY male, and beginning the process of transitioning in earnest. I actually started at 24 y/o, had a GT, and letter in hand with referral for HRT, but stopped. I figured I should just play with the cards I was dealth with, and have languished the 10 years since.

I guess my background will be similar to many other MTFs - I knew I was different at an early age, and distinctly remember hoping and praying that one day I would simply wake up as a girl (I was 11 years old). Obviously, that never happened.

Maybe there are a few out here who also share some of my previous athletic background(s) - if so, I would love to hear from you (as well as everyone else on the forum!). When I was in college, I was a bodybuilder (as opposed to someone who simply 'lifts weights' - I was doing this for competition; I was also doing this to overcompensate for being TG...basically I was trying to hypermasculinize myself, hoping the feelings would go away.). After I started my original attempt to transition, I stopped bodybuilding in earnest (though continued to go to the gym), and tried to shed as much muscle mass as possible. I also cut calories, reduced protein, etc. Flash forward to about 5 years ago, and I started road biking, and over the past 2 years have been a competitive road cyclist. At my peak competitive bodybulding size, I was 5'6", 172 lbs, 4% bodyfat; now, I hover around 145 lbs, 12 - 14% bodyfat. I've shed alot of upper body mass, but the muscle memory never really fades away - if I go back to the gym for one month, the muscles hypertrophy very quickly.

My main goals in joining the forum are to receive (and contribute) advice regarding the journey. Also (and this will be dealt with more in the appropriate subforums), to learn about and develop realistic expectations regarding HRT, especially as it relates to feminizing the body, extent of muscle atrophy, changes regarding my road cycling, etc.

In any case...I've heard the water's fine - time to jump in...

[KathrynJulia]

Tx Newbie:

Sorry, I did not reply earlier. I approved your introduction and then it was time to leave for home. Welcome to the Playground and thank you for the fine introduction. We're happy that you found us and have decided to join our community.

As a new member if you have not already done so. further down this page on the right is a tab that explains the terms and conditions of the site. They are simple rules that help to keep the Playground the friendly and safe place that it is. We have members that range from in their teens to well past drawing social security, so we try and stress a G rated site. If you aren't sure of whether something is appropriate, after 5 posts you will be able to pm a moderator. All posts are approved by a moderator first before they appear to other members.

On to other things. There are many areas of interest on Laura's covering many topics of interest and you are welcome to read other members topics and post your own topics and express your thoughts on any topic that you like. You will find Laura's a caring and supportive website. We support each other so that we all can someday reach a point that we are comfortable at. It can be a difficult road and with support, the journey is made that much easier to make.

So once Again, I say welcome to the Playground. You'll see me around. I'm Kathryn and I'm happy to meet you.

[Carolyn Marie]

Welcome to the Playground, Newbie. It's very nice to meet you.

Of course you know that everyone is different, as is our response to hormones. But in regards to body building and the like, you may have heard of Donna Rose? She was a world class wrestler in college and very built. She is a very attractive woman these days, a great advocate for the Community, and goes on speaking tours. But she is also very fit and muscular, and I think I heard that she wants to compete as a female wrestler.

You are welcome to post in any of the forums, and I look forward to hearing more about you and your experiences.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest angels wings]

Hello tx_Newbie welcome to Laura's

Angel

[Guest tx_newbie]

Thanks for the 'welcomes' and support - I'm sure the forums will be a great help.

[gennee]

Hello and welcome to the forums.

[Guest Mia J]

Welcome to Laura's. We are happy to have you with us on the forums.

Mia

[Guest Angelica Alice]

Welcome! And may you have a great transition in the future and stay here for a long time

[Guest miss kindheart]

Hi Newbie,

<<< 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