Transitioning late in life

[Guest JamieAnn]

Hi everyone,

My name is Jamie Ann, I am 59 years and have been married for over 35 years. I have a 35 year old son with MSC and a 34 year old daughter with 3 of her own (my grandchildren). I have a twin sister who I shared a placenta with for 9 months. My mom was told that she had identical twins, by definition of only 1 placenta. Fraternal twins have their own placentas. We have always had a special twin bond, we know when the other is in pain or is going through something. We have to call each other to know if the pain is our own or the others. I have always identified with women growing up, never got into any sports or cared being around boys. To this day I hate sports and have nothing in common to discuss with my male coworkers other than the job. I have dressed a few times in my sister' s clothes growing up, never got caught though. Recently After experiencing a dream of vivid information forcing me to wake up and write down the message that came to me in a dream, I started my journey on this path of allowing my feminine self to empower all that I do now.

I made an appointment with a therapist for Wednesday to help me with what I am feeling, as I am sure you all know about those feelings as well. I am scared, and have a lot of fears going forward. I wasn't sure how to tell my wife, so I confided in a couple support groups.

I received some pretty good advice. I had a conversation with my wife this morning. She giggled a little bit, but showed that she was confused as well, but is understanding. I told her that I was not gay, I have suppressed my inner woman all my life, and it is time to let her out. She was concerned about the operation, I told her that I wasn't going to have any surgeries, but I did want to try and grow my breasts naturally. She is afraid of that part, that we would be alienated from friends and family. Still nervous, but with help I can move forward.

I bought my first sleep wear and pair of jeans today, she went with me.

[Guest]

Good luck with your journey. most know what your going through, so you'll find a lot of good information here...

Welcome to the playground.

[Carolyn Marie]

Welcome to the Playground, Jamie. As Megan said, many here were or are in your same situation. I was 55 when I began my journey, and 58 when I socially transitioned.

You're doing the right thing by seeing a therapist (gender therapist?). There is much they should be able to help you with, if they are experienced. We can help you quite a bit with our own experiences and perspectives, but of course we are not therapists or doctors.

It is never too late to start this journey, and there are many options along the way. Not everyone needs or wants to socially or physically transition, and not everyone who physically transitions goes all the way through to gender confirmation surgery (SRS, GRS, GCS are all different acronyms for the same thing). There is plenty of time for decisions, and plenty of time for you and your wife and kids to communicate and begin to understand what this all means.

I look forward to hearing more from you. Please take some time to read the site Terms and Conditions, too, if you haven't already. A link to the rules is at the lower right corner of every page.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Charlize]

Welcome to Laura's,

I didn't go full time until my 64th birthday. It sounds like things are going well for you. having support from both a GT and your wife as well will make it easier to find yourself. Please share and read here. I know it helped me and it may well help you.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Raya]

Great topic, I am 52 and just came to accept that I was tg a little over a month ago. One thing I have noticed is many seem younger after transition starts! I have had people tell me my face is brighter and I smile more. Personally I can tell I am happier 2 ways- I am singing more, and getting out of bed early and ready to live

[Guest Beverly]

Don't feel lonesome in your revelations! I'm almost 60 and too just coming to grips with my feminine feelings. This is a nice place, awesome girls and support here. I love the mention you made of your wife "giggling" a bit when you spoke to her....jealous I am.

Enjoy!

[gennee]

Hi Jamie and welcome to Laura's. I am a late bloomer, having come out ten years ago at age 56. I'm 66 and have never been happier.

[Never2L82comeout]

Hi Jamie!

You are definitely not alone. I am 57 and just made the decision last week finally to come out and transition. I've known and understood that my body didn't match me inside most of my life, and I have wanted to make the transition since late teen years. The difference with me is that I have been married and divorced 4 times. I tried my best each time, but my femininity just showed and expressed too much. Confiding in them didn't go well, so I am glad you seem to be in a better place with that, and am happy for you. I envision many hurdles in transitioning this late in life and will wrestle with regret for not acting on it sooner, for some time I imagine. However, I am firm in my resolve, and feel it is better late than never. I want to live the rest of my life as I am inside, not how I was programmed to live and be unhappy. I am excited and looking forward to the journey ahead.

[Guest Opal]

Welcome to Laura's!