Not a surprise to me.  I started my transition 8 years ago, and I have avoided travel to the USA since then because of anti-trans policies.  As of this year, I am not even admissible, so that choice is made for me.   I intend to stay where I am, which is a relatively safe place.  However, seeing how quickly formerly-safe places have turned unsafe, I have gotten my Canadian passport updated, and I have obtained an Irish passport.  That will open up more countries in the event that we have to move.  Moving is not in our plans, but it never hurts to have a backup plan.

Several of the cited authors in this review of the Cass Review are members of an online group I belong to. They, but not me, are actual published scholars in their respective fields.  It takes some time to read through "necessary jargon" but they do find evidence that the Cass thing was a political hit piece and not the best science on the block.   https://bmcmedresmethodol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12874-025-02581-7?fbclid=IwY2xjawKRh8hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFPVWpROTRYMVRmekRPUmF1AR4_ncrXi320qJOeWXD9j9-tqC9p5TK4GnIq8rNNBVGfSo7oUXg4UaK35vgGyQ_aem_ZKvBAU749u5d0y5isyMoFg  

Hi, Karen.  Thanks for the update.  It sounds like things are going well for you.   It is common for the "drive towards transition" (a.k.a. dysphoria) to ease once you start HRT.  It will likely also do that whenever you take other steps towards becoming your true self.  Why did it increase again?  It typically does that when you have not made any big transition-related changes for a while.   Your T level being down is probably a normal effect of estrogen.  Even in the absence of androgen-blockers, E by itself can lower T production.   Enjoy your journey!

For me, moving is out of the question at this point.  But I am more reluctant to travel now.

They are looking for a particular outcome, so only "experts" that already agree with this.

I'm sure you will have a good time at the meet.  I remember planing and looking forward to being myself with others.  I now look forward to hearing about your experiences.  Enjoy!   Hugs,   Charlize

Up early even though I don't work. I have a appointment with a vascular surgeon later this AM. Being able to drive down our New (to us) 2015 Golf Sportwagen. We finally got it from the dealer. Hopefully fixed. Much to the disappointment of my wife. She had wanted to drive it to work today.    I do plan on going in fem. It will be easier to look at my lower right leg with a dress on. Its down in Ft Collins. I will also be dropping off the torque converter for the wagon.   Have a good day all.   Kymmie

It is a while since I have given an update. I have been on low-dose HRT for 18 months and for much of last year the drive towards transition had eased. I do not know the reason for this, but it was quite sudden (see an earlier post). However, towards the end of the year it started to rise and is now back to its old level, or even beyond. Again, I do not know the reason for this because nothing in my life has changed. I have six-monthly blood tests, the last at the end of April.  Hormone levels were good - below the male threshold for T, and well into the female level for Oe: maybe there lies the answer. My endo thinks the low T is probably because of my age (a rare plus of getting old!).   Social transition remains difficult, so is unlikely to happen, at least for the foreseeable future, but I still have the support of my wife. The gentle effects of HRT continue to be felt and I am lucky to have a good wardrobe of tops, dresses and trousers which I use regularly, but rarely outside the house.  Now and again I also treat myself to a manicure and eyebrow trim.  Although I am growing my hair a bit, I have taken the plunge and ordered a wig. As others will know, this is not easy given the tremendous selection of styles available. However, my wife has helped me and I am looking forward to getting it.   I have discovered that there is a monthly meet for trans folk in Leeds called “Leeds First Friday”. It seems to be very well organised so, after much thought, I have decided to go in August. It is an easy train journey from here and I have booked a hotel and a makeover. There are several bars and other venues that are trans-friendly, and, importantly, there is one where newcomers can meet the organisers early in the evening. I am sure that I will be anxious to start with, but I am looking forward to it. As LFF does not seem to have been mentioned on this forum I will write about my experience when I return.   Karen

Good morning everyone.   It’s a heavy rain day here in central Indiana. So let’s look at a desert landscape. Enjoy your coffee.    🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋💖    

We are here for you, Heather.   Find one good thing every day.

Therapist:" darkest, lowest i"ve seen you."

A plaintive thought might be a gentle reminder that even in the midst of joy, there can be a quiet sadness or a longing for something more. It's the feeling of melancholy or sorrow that can coexist with other emotions, adding a layer of depth to our experiences.   Elaboration:   Plaintive as a feeling: A plaintive thought evokes a sense of sadness or longing, often without being overly dramatic. It's a quiet, gentle sorrow that can touch upon personal loss, the fleeting nature of time, or a yearning for something unattainable. Plaintive as a reminder: This type of thought can serve as a reminder that life is a complex tapestry of joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness. It acknowledges that even in moments of celebration, there can be a sense of loss or a quiet melancholy. Plaintive as a source of depth: A plaintive thought can add depth and complexity to our emotional landscape. It allows us to experience a broader range of emotions and appreciate the nuances of life. Plaintive as a source of introspection: This type of thought can prompt us to reflect on our own experiences and feelings. It encourages us to explore the deeper meanings behind our emotions and consider the interconnectedness of joy and sorrow.

A plaintive thought might be a gentle reminder that even in the midst of joy, there can be a quiet sadness or a longing for something more. It's the feeling of melancholy or sorrow that can coexist with other emotions, adding a layer of depth to our experiences.   Elaboration:   Plaintive as a feeling: A plaintive thought evokes a sense of sadness or longing, often without being overly dramatic. It's a quiet, gentle sorrow that can touch upon personal loss, the fleeting nature of time, or a yearning for something unattainable. Plaintive as a reminder: This type of thought can serve as a reminder that life is a complex tapestry of joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness. It acknowledges that even in moments of celebration, there can be a sense of loss or a quiet melancholy. Plaintive as a source of depth: A plaintive thought can add depth and complexity to our emotional landscape. It allows us to experience a broader range of emotions and appreciate the nuances of life. Plaintive as a source of introspection: This type of thought can prompt us to reflect on our own experiences and feelings. It encourages us to explore the deeper meanings behind our emotions and consider the interconnectedness of joy and sorrow.

A plaintive thought might be a gentle reminder that even in the midst of joy, there can be a quiet sadness or a longing for something more. It's the feeling of melancholy or sorrow that can coexist with other emotions, adding a layer of depth to our experiences.   Elaboration:   Plaintive as a feeling: A plaintive thought evokes a sense of sadness or longing, often without being overly dramatic. It's a quiet, gentle sorrow that can touch upon personal loss, the fleeting nature of time, or a yearning for something unattainable. Plaintive as a reminder: This type of thought can serve as a reminder that life is a complex tapestry of joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness. It acknowledges that even in moments of celebration, there can be a sense of loss or a quiet melancholy. Plaintive as a source of depth: A plaintive thought can add depth and complexity to our emotional landscape. It allows us to experience a broader range of emotions and appreciate the nuances of life. Plaintive as a source of introspection: This type of thought can prompt us to reflect on our own experiences and feelings. It encourages us to explore the deeper meanings behind our emotions and consider the interconnectedness of joy and sorrow.

A plaintive thought might be a gentle reminder that even in the midst of joy, there can be a quiet sadness or a longing for something more. It's the feeling of melancholy or sorrow that can coexist with other emotions, adding a layer of depth to our experiences.   Elaboration:   Plaintive as a feeling: A plaintive thought evokes a sense of sadness or longing, often without being overly dramatic. It's a quiet, gentle sorrow that can touch upon personal loss, the fleeting nature of time, or a yearning for something unattainable. Plaintive as a reminder: This type of thought can serve as a reminder that life is a complex tapestry of joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness. It acknowledges that even in moments of celebration, there can be a sense of loss or a quiet melancholy. Plaintive as a source of depth: A plaintive thought can add depth and complexity to our emotional landscape. It allows us to experience a broader range of emotions and appreciate the nuances of life. Plaintive as a source of introspection: This type of thought can prompt us to reflect on our own experiences and feelings. It encourages us to explore the deeper meanings behind our emotions and consider the interconnectedness of joy and sorrow.

A plaintive thought might be a gentle reminder that even in the midst of joy, there can be a quiet sadness or a longing for something more. It's the feeling of melancholy or sorrow that can coexist with other emotions, adding a layer of depth to our experiences.   Elaboration:   Plaintive as a feeling: A plaintive thought evokes a sense of sadness or longing, often without being overly dramatic. It's a quiet, gentle sorrow that can touch upon personal loss, the fleeting nature of time, or a yearning for something unattainable. Plaintive as a reminder: This type of thought can serve as a reminder that life is a complex tapestry of joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness. It acknowledges that even in moments of celebration, there can be a sense of loss or a quiet melancholy. Plaintive as a source of depth: A plaintive thought can add depth and complexity to our emotional landscape. It allows us to experience a broader range of emotions and appreciate the nuances of life. Plaintive as a source of introspection: This type of thought can prompt us to reflect on our own experiences and feelings. It encourages us to explore the deeper meanings behind our emotions and consider the interconnectedness of joy and sorrow.

A plaintive thought might be a gentle reminder that even in the midst of joy, there can be a quiet sadness or a longing for something more. It's the feeling of melancholy or sorrow that can coexist with other emotions, adding a layer of depth to our experiences.   Elaboration:   Plaintive as a feeling: A plaintive thought evokes a sense of sadness or longing, often without being overly dramatic. It's a quiet, gentle sorrow that can touch upon personal loss, the fleeting nature of time, or a yearning for something unattainable. Plaintive as a reminder: This type of thought can serve as a reminder that life is a complex tapestry of joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness. It acknowledges that even in moments of celebration, there can be a sense of loss or a quiet melancholy. Plaintive as a source of depth: A plaintive thought can add depth and complexity to our emotional landscape. It allows us to experience a broader range of emotions and appreciate the nuances of life. Plaintive as a source of introspection: This type of thought can prompt us to reflect on our own experiences and feelings. It encourages us to explore the deeper meanings behind our emotions and consider the interconnectedness of joy and sorrow.

Oh, and now you know which main stream is persistently battling and lobbying for our rights.  I’m not suggesting others don’t because I know that wouldn’t be true, but it’s from our top leadership down and stated in our beliefs, We are ALL Gods children regardless.

Good morning   quick answer if possible, the Presbyterian church is the name of the Church of Scotland here.  Our Scots ancestors voted aye or nay for everything but to organize better the body of the church is broken down   Members elect Deacons who see to the welfare of the members, and Elder who determine the spiritual direction, guide the committees and work with the minister.  Right now I head the worship committee we ensure that we have liturgists to read the old testament and prayers and people to serve communion.  In PCUSA it can be women or men, race, gender ethnicity .. are not withheld, hence me.  But in different Presbyterian sects Women are not allowed and I would be stopped at the door.  To my knowledge the Presbyterians (Church of Scotland) is the only body of Christians governed in the manor.  No Bishops or pastors rule. If we decide to do something the Teaching Elder (minister/pastor) disagrees with or he breaks the rules in our book of order he can ask to be released or he can be asked to leave.  Baring that they can stay for life.   complicated yes but not when you’ve grown up I. The church.