Hi, I’m Richelle

[Richelle]

I’ve been reading posts here for several months and as I approach my target date for going full time I decided to officially join the group.

 

i grew up during the 70’s and began desiring to be a girl as young as 6 or 7, which was in the mid-60’s. Needless to say there was no readily available information on what I was experiencing. All I “knew” was that it must have been wrong because my father was always trying to “man me up” and discourage my interest in dolls and other “girl” things.

 

My first marriage ended because of my reoccurring desire to explore my gender. I found a therapist that specialized in what was known then as transsexualism.  I was getting comfortable with the idea of transitioning around 1990 when we had a joint session with my parents. My father agreed to attend but made it very clear he did not support the idea and thought it would be bad for my two boys that were about 4 and 8 years old.  I continued therapy but was confused about being attracted to women. My therapist was rather flippant when he said I must be a lesbian. Great, I’m not just one but two socially unacceptable types. I quit therapy and got married again.

 

Fast forward 30 years and the long repressed feelings are back stronger than ever. My wife has know since we were dating and is very supportive.

 

The plan is to continue transitioning and going full time in mid-May.

[Mmindy]

Good evening @Richelle

Welcome to TransPulseForums, you’ll find that there are many of us here who as children in the 1960s, knew we were supposed to be girls. I’m also late in life transitioning. My wife is very reluctant to support me as I slide through the scale of androgyny to feminine. She admits that I have to seek therapy, but she doesn’t want me to embarrass her by coming out to fast. When I did come out to her, it’s an understatement to say she went ballistic with anger. It was a roller coaster of emotions, and she’s calmed down, now the we’re able to be honest with one another.

 

Best wishes, stay positive, and safe 

 

Mindy🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋

[Carolyn Marie]

Welcome to Trans Pulse, Richelle.  Thank you for that introduction.  I'm around the same age, and there are quite a few of us here, as you probably know.  Since you've been lurking, I don't need to explain all that we have.  I will just encourage your active participation.  It's the best way to learn and meet folks.

 

HUGS

 

Carolyn Marie

[KayC]

Welcome @Richelle and nice to meet you!

 

Having a supportive wife is your greatest asset.  Wishing you all the best as you move forward❣️

 

Deep breaths ... one step at a time

[Zelaire]

5 hours ago, KayC said:

Having a supportive wife is your greatest asset.

And how! 😊

Welcome, Richelle!

[Delcina B]

Welcome Richelle! Glad you're here. So happy you have a supportive wife. I hope you find the wonderful support, advice & acceptance here as I have.

 

Hugs!

Delcina

[Richelle]

Thank you  all for welcoming me into your group!

[ithinkjenny]

Welcome richelle, thanks for sharing. Every story is similar and very different at the same time, I hope you find what your looking for here and enjoy this new chapter of your life. 

 

Many hugs xxx

[Charlize]

Welcome Richelle.  The i'm a lesbian thing confused me as a young person.  How could i be a woman and not be attracted to men?  That came back to haunt me when i came out to my wife whose first reaction was i'm not a lesbian.   Over time we've found peace and found labels simply don't fit.  Glad you've stepped over the edge and joined.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Ivy]

Welcome Richelle

[Mandy Cooper]

Welcome @Richelle I'm glad you decided to join. I was born in the 60's and trying to understand what was going on through the late 70's and had the same issues with the lack of information at the time. I'm sure you'll find a lot of information and support here as you transition.

[Susan R]

On 4/11/2022 at 12:34 PM, Richelle said:

began desiring to be a girl as young as 6 or 7, which was in the mid-60’s.

Welcome @Richelle. It’s is a pleasure to meet you and to read your mini biography. Your life’s timeline in regards to transgender issues parallels mine very closely. It never ceases to amaze me how many people were going through the same things I was at the same time and during the events thought I was the ONLY one experiencing it. The very existence of these forums sheds light to how untrue that belief was.

 

On 4/11/2022 at 12:34 PM, Richelle said:

I found a therapist that specialized in what was known then as transsexualism.  I was getting comfortable with the idea of transitioning around 1990

I remember this very well. I was in what was called a TV/TS support group back in the 80’s and 90’s and you were either one or the other…TS or TV. We have so much more understanding of gender these days. Who knew the concept of gender would dovetail in understanding in just a few short decades? LOL

 

On 4/11/2022 at 12:34 PM, Richelle said:

Fast forward 30 years and the long repressed feelings are back stronger than ever. My wife has know since we were dating and is very supportive.

Oh…I did a similar thing so don’t feel bad. I set it all aside for my unknowing wife for 20 years and then couldn’t take it any longer. You are so lucky to have a wife who has supported you from the beginning of your relationship. As you already know, that makes transitioning all that much easier. I wish you the very best in your results and a smooth ride on your continuing journey.

 

Warmest Regards,

Susan R🌷