@Toli I'm glad you like it! And I totally hear you on naming children being easier than picking a name for yourself! Why is it so hard? lol!

My story of Alexis coming out started 12 years ago at age 35. I knew it would come back with memories of me at ages of 15 and 16 trying on mom's dresses and skirts when my parents were gone at times. I liked it and never got caught. Finally it was after a divorce I went through that became final. Ex wife did commit adultery cheating on me several times and the worst was finding out her two kids I was not the dad of. After the divorce was final, I knew there was another side of me that wanted out and seen it in the mirror, a female side of me. July 12, 2014 is when I did finally came out to my parents about this at first and they knew I was hurting inside. They took it well and supported me which they still do. Then I got lucky one night two days later I came out, went out with two of my good friends  Avery and Laura whom made my night. They introduced me 4 that were male living and dressing as women fulltime. They looked at me and said they were going to make my life better. Said come by the weekend they were going to make me over with Alexis coming out the first time. They did, my long hair styled with permanent hair extensions put in including make up and nails. They found the perfect dress, a dark navy knee length with 4 inch heels with 2 inch hoop earring put in my ears. First time seeing myself as Alexis for the first time in the mirror, I was speechless at first. Then I said it, there was no going back and going forward. I called my parents to meet their new daughter. It was emotional with my parents seeing I was finally happy in my life. 100% purged my male wardrobe replaced with female wardrobe and make up. Right after that, met my current wife Jade whom has been by my side with her support marrying her in 2016. 

Thank you 😊 ill have a look for local shops that specialise in wigs and pay them a visit.

Ooh, I *love* that! Thank you for sharing that, I am including that in things I like about it! (Honestly, the bother I went to picking a name is genuinely insane. I named two actual children with less fuss!)

Not at all weird! That's a really cool name and I love both meanings! I don't know if this is true but I heard somewhere that Thor was actually associated with good crops and the fertility of the land because of his lightning and storms giving life to the fields. Just a fun fact. (Sorry, I'm such a nerd!)

Oh, that's so lovely! No, I really like it. (I was scared to say so in case you thought I was being weird.)   Mine is just my name (most of the time)    I like it because it is old norse for "little Thor"  - and I found out I have viking heritage, but in more modern European languages it is about farming  / nurturing etc. (Hence Viking Farmer) 

Thank you, Toli! Honestly, I was really nervous about what to choose for a username. I've been playing with Melody (I love music) and one of my favorite memories is watching the goldfinches eat from the bird feeder at my Grandma's house while we had tea. Sorry, maybe a little bit of an overshare, I just wanted to express that I was nervous about it but your comment makes me feel good about it!

Thank you April! I appreciate how kind, welcoming and helpful everyone has been! 

Hey @Melody Goldfinch Welcome!   I love your user name. it's so pretty.     

Recovery from it was one step at a time. I do remember being curious and tried on mom's dresses and skirts at ages 15 and 16 when my parents were out at times without getting caught.

Welcome to the forums and our community, Alexis!! It's great to have you join us!! Please feel free to wander about, ask questions and jump in wherever you feel comfortable. We are here to help!  

Welcome to the forums, Melody!! We are thrilled to have you join our community. Let us know how we can help you on your journey of discovery. We are here to help!!

Thank you both! It's great to be here!

Welcome to Trans Pulse, Drew.  It always seems like progress doesn't go in a straight line.  That seems to be your trajectory right now.  But that's fine; you make progress in whatever manner suits you and makes you happy.  It's great that you're seeing a gender therapist.   Please enjoy the time you spend here and meet our great members and our team.  Good luck to you!   HUGS   Carolyn Marie

Welcome to Trans Pulse, Melody!  I think it's great that you're planning to continue your education and eventually start a career that helps others.  I wish you the best of luck.   Please have a look around the forums and contribute to any threads that interest you, ask questions, and learn all you can.  We'll be here for you.   HUGS   Carolyn Marie

Welcome to Trans Pulse, Alexis.  It's great to hear that you're doing well and have support inside and outside your family.  Please look around the forums, ask questions, post your thoughts and meet our great members, some of whom you've already met.   HUGS   Carolyn Marie

Hi Alexis!   So sorry for the rough journey you’ve had getting here. Your wife sounds like wonderful support and I hope we can be too!

Hi @Melody Goldfinch👋   Welcome!  I’m so glad you joined us!

Hello Pema! Thank you! I've been exploring a little and this seems like a very welcoming place. A big relief from the broader internet!

Hello Alexis. It sounds lime you've been through quite a lot. I'm sorry to hear that's what you had to go through but it sounds like it may have led you to something that is working better for you and it makes me happy to hear that you have some supportive family. I just wanted to say hi because I'm new too and I wish you well in this new stage!