Hi :d

[Guest Zandra]

I suck so badly at introductions. xD I've been staring at an empty text box for a couple of hours now, trying to figure out what I should say, rofl. I guess formalities would be a good place to start. My name is Ryan; Zandra's a nickname I've taken on, so feel free to call me by either. I found out about this site from another forum I frequent, but activity tends to be a bit too low for me.

Anywho, I'm 24 and an MtF. I've been open with myself for about 4 years now, and over that time I've come out to just about all my close circle of friends (and some of their parents), all of which have been very supportive. I also have a girlfriend, whom I've been with for nearly 4 years. We met at a convention where I first dressed as a female character, to kind of test the waters. She's known since Day 1 and has been with me every step of the way.

My family still doesn't know, and I'm worried about coming out to my grandparents (whom I live with). I've dropped hints by acting and dressing more "myself" around them, for a time, hoping to gauge a reaction from them, but things didn't go as well as I'd hoped. My grandma doesn't mind/care because she has "bigger issues to deal with", however.. my grandpa got to the point of not talking to me anymore because of my "dressing weird". I'm pretty sure my mom knows something and accepts it; she's even bought me some girl clothes when we've gone shopping. She's at odds with my grandparents probably for good at this point, so I have to limit my contact with her if I value having a roof over my head lol.

I'm unfortunately stuck at pre-therapy thanks to my lack of funds. My job of two years, which I was barely scraping by on, was a victim of the economy crash and went under back in December. ;_; I haven't let this stop me from expressing myself. I'm mostly full-time when I'm not at home. It's still a bit nerve wracking going out in public, though. I think I do a pretty decent job at passing. I do get looks and stares, which make me so uneasy my stomach turns, even when some of them turn out to be the good kind lol.

Hope I didn't ramble on for too long. :x That wall of text looks pretty big, actually. I guess I'll shut up now before I write another two paragraphs. xD

[Guest Joe Cool]

Hi Zandra,

Welcome to the Playground! It is the friendliest place on Earth! You can feel free to be yourself! It is a great place to get information, support, and make new friends! I a glad you have found us! Welcome to the family!

Joe

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Welcome Welcome Welcome

I think your introduction is fine. It's hard to get a start sometimes and it gets easier as you go. I am older, seriously senior really, but I have the same needs and life as you do in a way. I am married and my wife supports me, lost my job during the economic turn-over, but just started back. Thank goodness.

But I am in therapy and have been on HRT for a while - and will transition fully, so those awkward times you have? Yes, doing that right now in public. I live full time at home and am partially out in public - I mean I dress gender appropriate but its very casual so I pass half the time I guess, look a bit strange the rest of the time.

You are in quite a situation with your living conditions, sort of a compromise. I suppose if it works don't try to fix it. Eventually you will need to get a gender trained therapist if you want to have access to options. They do cost money, so I suppose you will have to get where you can afford one.

So anyway - look around and see what interests you. There are a lot of young people you age here! And post some questions, post some opinions - we are very friendly here.

Glad to meet you - and if you are comfortable use your real name - which I see as Zandra by the way! Grin

Lizzy

[Guest andreahilton]

Welcome!

Don't worry, we all are very friendly and the mods kick the butt of meanies (you'll never see them anyway, the mod have that in control). Anyway, your introduction is just fine, I'm happy for you having lot of supports, you're really lucky! By the way, even though if your grandparents don't approve, don't forget they live in the old fashion way, so don't worry if they are rude or anything!

Now, have fun around here, there is HEAPS of information here, from all kind. You will be happy with the infomation you are curious about in here. I don't think there is a better place to find them! Oh and I am a 16 years old girl in a male body but luckily, I know how to keep happy and live life to the fullest!

Woot! Have fun xoxo

[Guest Shane_82]

Welcome

[Sally]

Good Morning Zandra,

I may be a little late welcoming you, you have already met some of our wonderful people and I just want to be sure you know just how friendly we are so I have baked a fresh Coffee Cake for this morning.

We Southern girls of my age group feel that it s just plain impolite to invite someone in without offering them so refreshments.

We usually serve hot cocoa, but I also have some coffee (since it is a coffee cake ) and hot water for tea.

Welcome to the family.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest androgynous]

Hi Zandra!

A warm welcome at Laura's Playground! a fun non-judgmental place to be, relax and take a seat!

[Guest Alyssa Leigh]

Hi Zandra

Welcome to the playground everyone is so nice here, so make yourself at home and look around and ask any questions you have.

Alyssa

[Guest Heather DL]

Welcome

Everyone here is very nice and supportive, and there is so much information available here.

Oh, and they give you cocoa and cookies and cake!

[Paula ult]

Hi Zandra and welcome, i think you will find what you are looking for here we have people in all stages of transition that can help you, I'm 57 so I'm fairly senior too, MtF and on hormones 14 months.

HUGS!

Paula

[Guest April63]

Hi, Zandra. Everyone sucks at introductions. I didn't know what to write in mine either! Welcome.

[Guest Ashley K]

^.^ Welcome to the forums! Don't worry about introductions, at least you made one.

Mine's much shorter than yours

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

Hi Zandra, welcome to the playground.

Hugs,

Suzie

[Guest Jean Davis]

Hi Zandra

So glad you found the playground and hope you have a comfy chair. The people here are so friendly I'm sure you'll be useing it alot.

Hope to Hear from you

Jean Davis