New Here

[LiamRay]

Hello,

 

     My name is Liam. I'm a trans guy who is stumbling into adulthood and struggling quite a bit with all that entails in addition to dysphoria, mental health, and unsupportive family. I've been out among friends, at school, and at work for roughly seven months now. I've also been out to a couple of family members for the same amount of time but everyone except my sisters just pretend it never happened. I came here because I need to be able to talk with other trans people who are also struggling with these things (or who have been through them and can offer some much needed advice). I know a couple of trans and gender queer people irl but I often don't feel comfortable talking to them about my dysphoria because I feel like a burden when I do (even though they are so great about it). I also want to make sure I have some kind of support after I leave school because things are going to get a lot harder when I'm not around my college friends anymore. 

     I also hope I can help other people who maybe aren't as far in their transition cause it's important that we support each other. Coming out (both to yourself and others) can be absolutely terrifying and it's nice to know there are people cheering you on. 

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this! 

[tracy_j]

Hi Liam, welcome to the forum.

 

You will find friends here so please don't hesitate to browse around and join in as you feel.

 

Thank you for your introduction.

 

Tracy

[Heather Shay]

@LiamRay WELCOME!!!! I understand what you are saying and have felt the same way and still have the same concerns personally. Having trans friends who understand what you are going through is amazingly helpful and it helps them as much as it helps you to talk about it and it isn't a bother - I know - I have several who I feel I'm overburdening them and them won't hear of it - they want me to succeed and show it nearly every day and I am eternally grateful.

You have also found a place, a haven, an oasis - that is safe and has some of the most amazing and caring people I have EVER met and it has meant the world to me. I know it will be a place of growth, comfort and affirmation for you as well.

I see you've already met one of the amazing people I am talking about and I'm sure you'll be receiving more warm welcomes. 

Ask questions, read posts, check support groups and receive honest, truthful and loving answers.

[Delcina B]

Welcome Liam! Glad you're here! I think you will find others who are on this journey who you can relate. I hope you find the wonderful support, advice & acceptance here as I have.

 

Hugs!

Delcina 

[Timber Wolf]

Hi Liam,

Welcome to transpulse. I'm glad you're here.

 

Lots of love and a big welcome hug,

Timber Wolf🐾

[LiamRay]

19 hours ago, Heather Shay said:

You have also found a place, a haven, an oasis - that is safe and has some of the most amazing and caring people I have EVER met and it has meant the world to me. I know it will be a place of growth, comfort and affirmation for you as well

That's good to hear! 

[LiamRay]

Thank you for the warm welcome everyone! 

[Susan R]

Hi @LiamRay, It’s very nice to meet you. I’m glad you stumbled on to our forum. As mentioned by others, you can find plenty of support here with minimal effort.

 

21 hours ago, LiamRay said:

Coming out (both to yourself and others) can be absolutely terrifying and it's nice to know there are people cheering you on. 

I agree with the above. Acknowledging your transgender is hard enough. Acting on it is even harder. Trying to share and get others to understand something that you yourself took years to figure out, is a whole different level of difficulty. I can still vividly recall the extreme fear I experienced when I had finally made the decision to ‘come out’. The thought of telling my family, friends, and the world at large that I’m someone different than they’ve always known, seemed insurmountable. The understanding that ‘coming out’ is a one way path with no ‘undo’ button to get back to a sometimes painful inauthentic safe space makes one doubt whether it was all worth the effort. Yes, living your truth can be difficult in the beginning. But with some help, you’ll begin to gain confidence in yourself and know the path you’re on is the right one as so many of us in this community have. You’ll feel the heavy burden of years of shame and guilt slowly melt off your soul. The freedom it brings will help carry you the rest of the way. Waking up each morning and interacting with the world as you were intended is one of the biggest joys one can experience.

 

I wish you the very best on your upcoming disclosures. It does get easier in time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice because we are here for that very purpose. You’ll find that the issues experienced in the beginning of our journeys are ever-changing and short lived.

 

Warmest Redards,

Susan R🌷