UK male new here

[bobbbbbi]

28 minutes ago, LillyF said:

So I have just got off the phone from the GP and they have referred me to the GIC.

 

She also stated that they would be more than happy to support me with shared care if i wanted to go private for HRT.

 

So releived.

 

That's fantastic news, so happy for you. 🙂

[LucyF]

So today I went to the cinema as myself. What a liberating experience! Not one person cared what I looked like and I found females a lot friendlier to me. 

 

So happy right now x

[EasyE]

On 11/22/2023 at 3:33 AM, bobbbbbi said:

Lilly! You look amazing! 🙂

 

Wow... agreed... 

[Timi]

On 11/27/2023 at 6:36 PM, LillyF said:

So happy right now x

Oh Lilly! I just joined this forum and read your story. Thank you so much for sharing!

 

As I've been exploring my own identity lately, I was trying to explain to a friend what goes through my mind when I see a beautiful woman. I see a being who is radiating light and life and hope and joy, and by doing that, is making the world a much much better place. 

 

I see that in you. 

 

I think you are making the world a much better place. 

 

I'm so glad you are happy!

 

-Timi

[LucyF]

3 hours ago, Timi Shiels said:

Oh Lilly! I just joined this forum and read your story. Thank you so much for sharing!

 

As I've been exploring my own identity lately, I was trying to explain to a friend what goes through my mind when I see a beautiful woman. I see a being who is radiating light and life and hope and joy, and by doing that, is making the world a much much better place. 

 

I see that in you. 

 

I think you are making the world a much better place. 

 

I'm so glad you are happy!

 

-Timi

Awwww thank you! I still get moments of doubt, but I think that's normal. Posting on here helps to remind me of where I have come from and what I need to be me.

[EmilyLouise48]

Hi Lilly, I've also only just joined and have also read your story.

 

It was a pleasure to read and even though fraught with challenges and highs and lows, to see those pictures and how happy you look give me a warm feeling inside. I'm so happy that you are moving forward with your life and even though there will, no doubt, be set backs and difficulties I have every confidence that you will reach your destination.

 

Take care and know there will always be people to help and support you!

Emily x

[LucyF]

8 hours ago, EmilyLouise48 said:

Hi Lilly, I've also only just joined and have also read your story.

 

It was a pleasure to read and even though fraught with challenges and highs and lows, to see those pictures and how happy you look give me a warm feeling inside. I'm so happy that you are moving forward with your life and even though there will, no doubt, be set backs and difficulties I have every confidence that you will reach your destination.

 

Take care and know there will always be people to help and support you!

Emily x

Thank you xxx

[LucyF]

So.

 

The GP gave a referral to the GIC on 23rd November and I was advised to call them 2 weeks later if I haven't heard anything. So 2 weeks go by, I call the GIC to be told they are on training all week. So I call back the week later. Eventually get through to the referrals team who have said that they have not received anything and to contact my GP. So I contact my GP who passed my query on to the reception team. They then say that it has now been sent, and they had not sent it initially as they were not told by the GP that there was a letter to be sent. Frustrating.

 

I also came out to my mum. She said to me the she will support me in whatever I choose to do in life, but she doesn't think my dad or brother will understand. She said she is always there for me and glad I have been honest with her. I have also told all my friends now, who have been supportive. Just my ex-wife and kids to go. Not sure about my dad or brother. I see them maybe twice a year, so I could wait to tell them when I am more down the road in treatment.

 

Yesterday (Sunday) I went out as my true self to a local LGBTQ group who met up for bingo at a new bar locally. It was so much fun and felt great to be myself. I also met someone 13 years older than me locally who is further on than me in transitioning, so getting tips from her.

 

So now given its christmas and new year, I will be phoning the GIC in the new year. Then I will be telling my kids and ex-wife before going private for HRT. I also have an appointment for IPL end of January, although not sure if that is worth it or if I wait for HRT.

[Heather Shay]

FANTASTIC NEWS LILLY - so glad you are here.

[April Marie]

What wonderful news, even with the bit of frustration thrown in.

[MaeBe]

What a BIG update! I hope things stay mostly positive for you on the social side of things, like it should. On the medical side, it sounds like you’ve handled that with grace. I wish smooth sailing for you from here on out!

[DeeDee]

Huge news! What a Christmas present to yourself?

[LucyF]

So update from me.

 

Got a message from NHS saying they have the referral and to contact them if I don't hear anything by 21st Feb.

 

I told my ex wife and kids.

The ex wife said "It sounds like you’ve given it a lot of thought and If you’re 100% sure than I’m glad for you… go for it!!". I said I was worried about her taking the kids away, she said "No, of course not!" She even offered to be there when I told the kids, but I wanted to do that myself. My ex wife also said "You’re very brave x well not in that being your true self should be. Thank you for telling me x" and that she just wants me to be happy. Such a releif.

 

Told the kids. Eldest completely understood and was happy for me. Youngest said she understood, but don't think she quite realised the full impact. Both are happy for me though and said it won't change anything.

 

So new year, I am starting the process of changing my name. Think I've settled on Lucy now. I'll get friends to witness my deed poll, then I'll apply for driving licence in new name. 

 

Then it's telling work then contacting private clinic. 

 

Hair is growing out well, but front just won't grow so ill need a hair transplant for that. 

 

 

So very happy right now.

[DeeDee]

Hi Lucy, I'm glad things are working out for you. 2024 sounds like it is going to be a big year!  

[Ivy]

I'm glad to hear your X is accepting.  

[EmilyLouise48]

Lovely to hear your update Lucy, I am so happy for you!! I wish you the very best on your journey and that 2024 is everything you want it to be.

Emily x

[LucyF]

So I have now told my brothers and parents. My brothers were happy for me. My mum said my dad was "Shocked, intrigued, confused, and lots of questions". So I sent them both a long email explaining everything. I will give them both time and I am sure they will come around. 

 

So after that I have put a post on facebook telling everyone of the journey I am on. Almost 60 replies, all positive.

 

Next monday 2 of my friends are going to witness my deed poll, then telling organisations. Driving licence first.

 

Just work to tell now.

 

Lucy x

[KathyLauren]

Congratulations, @LucyF!  Coming out to family is huge.  I am glad that you have support from your brothers.  "Shocked, intrigued, confused, and questioning" is a lot better than instantly negative.  So, well done!

[Ivy]

2 hours ago, KathyLauren said:

Congratulations, @LucyF!  Coming out to family is huge.  I am glad that you have support from your brothers.  "Shocked, intrigued, confused, and questioning" is a lot better than instantly negative.  So, well done!

I second this

[LucyF]

So I have now come out at work. Everyone is supportive! I am so surprised how accepting people have been. My boss wanted to know when they should update all their systems etc with my new name and I said that it could probably wait until I start HRT.

 

I have updated my credit cards, utlity bills and electrol register. Waiting for new driving licence and have a meeting with my bank on 22nd (monday) to update my bank details.

 

I also decided to approach a private clinic, knowing the rediculous long waiting times on the NHS. So I e-mailed Dr Dundas of gendercare who gave me a form to fill out and said that the current wait is 6 months. Once I filled this out, I got offered an appointment of 21st Feb!!! I am so so happy now and so pleased to start becoming me!

 

So so happy right now.

[MaeBe]

17 minutes ago, LucyF said:

So so happy right now.

💜💃

 

I am so happy for you!

[Ivy]

42 minutes ago, LucyF said:

I got offered an appointment of 21st Feb!!! I am so so happy now

Wow, that was quick.  I hope it goes well for you.  It's kinda exciting.

[April Marie]

This is just so wonderful!! I am so very happy for you!!!

[Birdie]

On 11/19/2023 at 4:59 PM, LucyF said:

So I did this thing today....

Absolutely smashing! 😘

[Ashley0616]

3 hours ago, LucyF said:

So so happy right now.

Congratulations on taking the big steps to becoming the real you!