I Am New Here

[Guest marajaqwin]

I am kinda new to this site and to the whole Transgender scene... sort of. I am a 31 year old male with the desire to go female and have been crossdressing since I was 12 without family support or guidance. So my whole Gender Identity Disorder went undiagnosed until 4 years ago. Recently, I have started to want to make physical changes but I don't know who I can talk to about them or how to go about making those changes happen. To make things more difficult I am disabled and cannot work a steady 9 to 5 or even part time job. I have been trying to get SSI for the past 10 years without success. Part of that is cause I didn't know a whole lot about my disabilities. This is my second attempt and I am more prepared and more knowledgeable about myself and my disabilities. Also, because I am a SWM living in Oregon I cannot get medical assistance. I am also so far in debt that there is no light. I am living with my mother who knows all she wants to know about my GID. In other words I was born a boy and that is all she'll acknowledge me as. She wants nothing to do with my alternative life choice and she would throw me out if I tried to walk around dressed as a girl. And I have no where else to go right now until my SSI is approved.

So there is a little background for you. Now my questions.

First Issue

I want to know if there is an organization that helps an individuals like me get started on my physical transition. I am talking about a person that has limited or no income and no medical insurance. Hwever I am on the local Prescription drug assistance program which gets me 90 day supplies of my medications for free.

Unfortunately, there are no local psychs that are knowledgeable into GID that I am aware of, or were none the last time I tried the talk to one in town about it (that was 4 years ago when I was diagnosed). In fact the nearest ones (that I am aware of) to me are in Montana (12 hours away) and Western Washington (10 hours away). If you haven't figured it I live in a small town in Eastern Oregon.

Can a Gynochologist prescibe the female hormones to someone like me? Or is there a specialist I need to see?

Second Issue

I am looking for second-hand clothing donation organizations that can and are willing to aid transgendered MTF in getting women's clothing descreetly for my transition via the mail. I don't believe the local donation centers (The Salvation Army and The Nazerene Church Compassion Center) would allow me to get women's clothing from them. And I am a little scared to even ask them for fear of being shunned or banned from the premesis. Now, My mother may not approve of my livestyle and and may not allow me to wear women's clothing in public as long as I am living with her, but she doesn't complain about me storing my women's clothes that I already have. So I would like to build up a wardrobe for when I can finally get on my own.

I am also a bit ignorant into women's fashion and how to BE a girl. So any suggestions and help would be great.

Also, I invite (if this is not out of line and I don't want to be constrewed as a leech) anyone who is willing to donate clothing to let me know. I am willing to reimburse to shipping cost to anyone that does wish to help and I greatly appreciate any help in this area.

thanks

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Welcome Mara (took the liberty of giving you a nickname )

Sweetie, whoa, slow down!!! OK, you are beginning to understand who you are!! Great!! Now, for hormones you need to see a gender therapist, get the letter for approval for HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). Schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist to monitor your health while taking hormones.

Clothing? sweetie, the simplest thing is to simply go to where you want to get the clothes and get them. Surprising as it sounds, but no one ever questions why you are buying a dress, blouse, scarf, shoes, etc. I have never had any problem at any store. Although, I was very nervous at first, I soon realized that the people working at the store, don't care!!! They assume what they assume and it works for me!!! I go into Walmart, buying makeup, dresses, underwear,etc. They just ask me to swipe my card through when everything is rung up .

Transitioning takes work and requires work with some professionals. I cannot answer your insurance questions, but hon, everyone finds a way. You will find yours.

So, welcome hon!!! Please do come in and feel relaxed. Soon others will be here to greet you too!!!

Have some cookies and cocoa and some cakes I just made while I wake the rest of the clan that someone new has joined us!!!

HUGS Sweetie

Love you

Brenda

[Guest Zabrak]

Welcome!

[Sally]

I see that Brenda has gotten you all taken care of with her wonderful blend of refreshments and advice.

We like that around here it s so much more friendly than just tossing advice at you.

Take your time, look around ask question s and just have a good time as you learn more about yourself.

Welcome to the forums and the family.

Love ya,

Sally