cute skirt April   yup I always keep perfume n mascara n panties with stud earrings even in boy mode

One of the reasons that I hesitated to sign up to this forum originally was because I couldn't think of a femme name for myself. That stems from the fact that I wasn't seeking one, and still don't, although lately I have become a bit curious.   My username has geographical and astronomical connections. It is an indigenous word that describes the Southern Cross constellation.

Again, thank you for these posts @Sally Stone. As a person just embarking on their own exploration, seeing through an eagle’s eye is invaluable. I can understand the desire to compartmentalize. I’m coming out at 47 and have several military affiliated friends. I never served myself but know them via hobbies we share. I’d be nervous about coming out to those whom I didn’t know very well, but some I do know better are openly ‘queer’. Meeting these people definitely challenged my existing stereotypes about the military in a positive way; more regarding those who comprise the services as opposed to stated protocol/mission. 

I had heard a little about this, but not much. Thanks for posting it.

Can definitely relate. I always have something going on, whether it be painted nails, capris or just ‘a walk’. Just a reminder ‘she’ is there. 

A denim above the knee belted button-down shirt dress with sandals.  

Sounds delish so far. Today I made sourdough bread for the first time. My friend gifted me starter grains she got from etsy which came with a recipe. Giving someone sourdough starter as a gift is like giving a pet as a gift. Kind of a weird thing to do - somehow enriching, but, "here's your gift, more responsibility!" Anywho, it's a 3 day process to make this bread on top of feeding the starter weekly. It definitely needs some tweaking. The bread consistency came out great. Crusty crust and soft inside. But it didn't rise enough despite seeming to be proofed well. And I followed the instructions to make it as sour as possible which I prefer, but it's only mildly sour. I plan to try other recipes and compare. But my cousin who (willingly, lol) took some of my starter told me she recently made pancakes with it which were delicious. So I'll definitely try that soon too.

Congratulations.  

Mine is just the feminine variant of my current first name, and Skunk.  Cause skunks rule.

Latest good recipe find? Lemme see...  I'm trying to recreate a local family restaurant's refried beans at home.  Right now it's kind of hit or miss (Mostly miss) on coming close to it.  Currently I'm tweaking the ratio of beans, bacon fat and smoked paprika and lime juice.  Current ingredients I've been able to sus out though are: Pinto beans, shredded colby jack cheese, bacon fat, smoked paprika, chipotle pepper flakes, diced onion, garlic and a lil bit of salt.  When I feel comfortable with the exact amounts, I'll update.  ^.^

I have Church of Scotland roots: my grandfather was a C of S minister.  So quite apart from my general happiness at reading some good news, this particular bit of good news makes me feel especially happy.  Thanks for sharing it, @DeeDee!

Mine shows no imagination at all: it is just my first and middle names.  

I'm wearing some new pink reading glasses I bought the other day.  Even if I'm stuck in boymode I try to do something gender affirming every day. Pink readers, tinted lip balm, clear mascara. Anything I can.

@KylieThank you for being open and honest about your experiences.    Congratulations and Hugs,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋

Hi all!    I’ve been here numerous years and followed discussions in the shadows. I began my medical transition in 2018. Lost a lot of friends and family, but grew so much along the way!    Fast forward to the surgical journey.   August 2020 - Vaginoplasty  I underwent my vaginoplasty in Austin TX during the start of COVID. It was a rough recovery. I suffered some separation of stitches which landed me having physical restrictions. I then began suffering from hypergranulation within my canal which led me to seeing the GYN twice a week for 13 weeks for silver nitrate treatments. The silver nitrate ended up causing stenosis which led to my next surgery.    April 2021 - Surgical Revision I had a revision of my vaginal canal which helped with dilation…for only 3 weeks! I underwent about 10 months of pelvic floor therapy to no avail. Dilation was near impossible. So this led to my next revision.    April 2022 - Revision and Breast Augmentation   This surgery I decided to do my breast augmentation concurrently. The breast augmentation went phenomenal, no pain, 575cc Silicone implants. Awesome results.    The vaginal revision, both my primary surgeon and an additional surgeon with expertise in complicated pelvic disorders performed the revision together.    immediately I felt amazing after with no issues dilating! I am now 2 years post final revision and have no issues dilating once a week and have sex with no problem!    March 2024- Facial Feminization Surgery   I decided to have FFS after much thought. I had it done at Duke University.  I had the following done:   -Type 3 forehead reconstruction and sinus setback -Cheek implants - Orbital contouring  - Sliding Genioplasty -Submental liposuction    Recovery was not bad. First 5 days were a tad sore and uncomfortable- but honestly minimal pain.      Surgeons Vaginoplasty- Dr. Ashley DeLeon Breast Augmentation- Dr. Gerhard Mundinger FFS- Dr. Elda Fisher    I’m happy to answer any questions!   Kylie     

XOXO

That's very lovely, @vidanjali, and very thoughtful.   Carolyn Marie

Contrary to some recommendations we make for members, the Vicky part is just my legal FN and the SGV does give my home location within a few hundred square miles.  When I joined here the Vicky all by itself was taken so I had to add something else to it.

Vidanjali is a combination of the Sanskrit words "vidya" and "anjali". Vidya means intuitive knowledge or divine knowledge (where its antonym is ignorance) and anjali means offering. For example, in yoga, anjali mudra is the position of hands in prayer at the heart center. So, Vidanjali expresses my desire to be an instrument of illumination and goodwill in the world and to be of service to others.