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Could It Be Klinefelter's?


Guest Ashlyn M

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Guest Ashlyn M

This is kind of an embarrassing question to ask, but I don't have anyone that I can go to about it. I don't have a therapist anymore, and I can't bring it up to my dad.

I have some of the symptoms including possible ADHD or ADD, breast enlargement, my body hair is growing kind of weird (like it'll grow in certain places on my face very well, but other areas like my upper lip and cheeks not so well, and my chest has hair but really not all that much), I might have wide hips but I'm not too sure yet since I'm very overweight at the moment, I'm tall too at around 6'3 but my dad is tall too, thinking about it now the fat that I have is mostly around my belly and thighs but that may not mean anything, and I have one of the 'down below' symptoms.

Not only those things, but today I was randomly googling a problem I've had for a while, loss of smell. I'm pretty sure I could smell really well as a child, but for the past few years I can't really smell anything unless it's really strong. But on one of the websites it said something about klinefelter's and that's why I'm delving into it again this afternoon. I often do that when I'm reminded of the syndrome, because I really feel like I might have it, but I can't do anything about it because I'm still underage and I don't have anyone to go to.

Lastly, I was giving it some thought before I started writing this post, and I started to wonder if maybe my gender identity disorder could be linked to this if I do in fact have it? I identify as genderfluid, so sometimes I feel more female, and sometimes I feel more male. I thought maybe this could be the reason maybe. Or at least part of the reason.

Am I just being stupid and looking into things too much?

Also the website that I went to earlier is this one: http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/loss-of-smell/basics/causes/sym-20050804

It's listed under Damage to your Brain or Nerves. The smell thing is probably not really what I have, but it alarmed me to see that listed as a possible reason why since I've been questioning if I have this or not for a while now. It's probably more likely caused by the fact that I hold in my sneezes though which might mess up my sinuses.

Sorry for the really long post, I'm just really desperate for answers. And I know that no one here can diagnose me with it, but someone could still tell me if it's a possibility or how likely, you know? Anyway, sorry again, and thank you very much in advance.

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  • Admin

It would all be so simple if our doctors could plug us into a machine that clinks and whirs for a few moments and spits out a piece of paper or plastic that says Gender Dysphoria, Klinefelters, Intersexed, AIS, PAIS or a bunch of others which identifies us on the spot, and which satisfies our relatives with SCIENTIFIC PROOF and maybe in there some relgious verses too that validate us and give instructions on what our future will be.

It is not that simple just now since MANY things are at the root of Gender Dysphoria. The Dysphoria however needs to be identified in a real live human being and not rely on an underlying physical quirk to be real and treatable. You may have Klinefelter Syndrome, but it alone is not a necessity or really even a causative factor, but I suppose it could make your GD more acceptable to your family, since it is not a matter of "blame" or causation by them.

I have a "long string" in one gene responsible for Testosterone processing in my body. The long string simply keeps a T receptor from using T effectively. I had that found by volunteering for a scientific study for free. A test called a Karotype test is needed to diagnose Klinefelter's syndrome which is expensive unless your doctor finds a need for it. I should add that I have several Klinefelter symptoms. None figured into my getting HRT or GCS.

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Guest Clair Dufour

What you need first is an MD. I have a friend in NC who is a public health therapist and they have a good

program if you don't have the money or insurance. One of her biggest problems is that patients will not come

out to her fearing that the state has a registry of LGBT and other people. This is not true! While I cannot

speak about the schools, they should have addressed your issues years ago. They have the contacts to refer you

to County Public Health if that is all you can afford. Also, the closer you are to Chapel Hill the better, as

they have one of the best TG programs in the country.

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Guest Ashlyn M

It would all be so simple if our doctors could plug us into a machine that clinks and whirs for a few moments and spits out a piece of paper or plastic that says Gender Dysphoria, Klinefelters, Intersexed, AIS, PAIS or a bunch of others which identifies us on the spot, and which satisfies our relatives with SCIENTIFIC PROOF and maybe in there some relgious verses too that validate us and give instructions on what our future will be.

It is not that simple just now since MANY things are at the root of Gender Dysphoria. The Dysphoria however needs to be identified in a real live human being and not rely on an underlying physical quirk to be real and treatable. You may have Klinefelter Syndrome, but it alone is not a necessity or really even a causative factor, but I suppose it could make your GD more acceptable to your family, since it is not a matter of "blame" or causation by them.

I have a "long string" in one gene responsible for Testosterone processing in my body. The long string simply keeps a T receptor from using T effectively. I had that found by volunteering for a scientific study for free. A test called a Karotype test is needed to diagnose Klinefelter's syndrome which is expensive unless your doctor finds a need for it. I should add that I have several Klinefelter symptoms. None figured into my getting HRT or GCS.

I didn't really mean it like that. I mean, I just wish I could know now if there's something wrong, and not have to wait 2 years to find out. It's hard to explain, I'm sorry I worded it weirdly.

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  • Admin

If you have Klinefelters Syndrome, it is NOT WRONG for you, it is how you are put together. It may affect your ability to get a girl pregnant (or another guy). I suppose if you cannot be the father of your parents grand brats they are going to moan and wail, but it is not wrong. Sterility is the major factor that some people worry about there, but many other syndromes do that as well. As I said, I have many symptoms of Klinefelters, but I have three adult children that misgender me mildly, and three grand kids who are cool.

The ONLY way you will know is by a gene test, and Clair gave you a wonderful lead on that one. I have friends who go to the facilities at Chapel Hill.

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Hi Ashlyn,

When I started transition that meant that I had to get health coverage, and work with a clinic for my hormones. My S.O. Alex is a trans guy, and he set me up with his doctor here at the nearby clinic in Sacramento. I have been on HRT since July 2014, and living full time since December 2014. So anyway, a few months ago Alex was looking at stand to pee devices modeled from volunteer male subjects, and I looked over, and was surprised to notice that mine didn't look like theirs. I informed our doctor, and with a bit of investigation, it soon became obvious that I was intersex

I have distal hypospadias (the urine exits from the underside, near the end of the phallus), I have a lot of extra skin hanging, and a wide dark line along the underside,(I have very small, and soft testicles), the line narrows, but continues over the scrotum, then it becomes a noticeably raised line along the perineum. I also have eunuchoid body habitus, which makes me much taller than my family because of my long legs, I have a somewhat feminine bone structure, wide hips, and feminine features. My arms are disproportionately long compared to my height. My sense of smell is fine, in fact kinda better on Estrogen. I had very little odor, or body hair, ever, and my facial hair was sparse enough to pluck. I used to have some anger/anxiety/depression issues (thankfully under control), and I am very naturally feminine in voice, mannerisms, and body language. My doctor suspects that I have Klinefelter's syndrome. I have already had a consultation with a Genetic Counselor, and she has referred me to have my karyotype checked for 47 XXY, or whatever underlying Chromosomal anomalies might be behind my physical, and mental symptoms.

I hope my story answers some of your questions, yep, I think it is possible that you might have Klinefelter's, but only a karyotype test will determine what your chromosomes are really like.

hugs,

Stephanie

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Guest AllisonRae

Hi Ashlyn, First please don't feel embarrassed dear. You are among friends. I have wondered about myself as well for years and would like to be checked. I do have wider hips, I am taller than my parents by around 7 inches, I always had fertility issues, my facial hair never really grew much until my 30s and my parents told me that there was some issue with my penis and excessive skin. Never really knew the details on that. I have fought weight issues all my life but I realize that this is reaching, have lost 30 pounds since starting HRT in July. Now granted I had and still am excercising and watching my diet but weight loss on HRT is not typical. All this on top of how I felt during my life and the fact that I always had a different approach to problem solving than my male coworkers over my career. Some of this can be wrote off but it really makes me wonder like you are. Take care!

Hugs

Allie

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Hi Allie, and Ashlyn,

It could very well be possible that we all have Klinefelter's syndrome, and not really all that surprising. I have learned that it is almost common at 1 in 500 or so. I have finally fixed my problems with insurance, the Medi-Cal folks were totally confused by my name, and gender change. :wacko: So at my next appointment with Pablo, which now has to be rescheduled unfortunately since he is unavailable on March 4th, I will finally have my blood drawn for the chromosome testing. :unsure: Pablo (my doctor), Alex (my S.O.), and the Genetic Counselor all said they would be surprised if I don't have an underlying chromosomal anomaly for my symptoms/traits. My arms are ridiculously long, much of it extra humerus length, which Pablo said almost surely indicates XXY. I am 5'10" tall (I shrank two inches from my military days), but my finger span is 6'2.5". You can tell if you look at my profile photo how disproportionate my arm lengths are compared to my height. That, and my hypospadias are hard to ignore.

hugs,

Stephanie

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Hi all,

U.C. Davis Medical called me yesterday to tell me that my insurance has approved my blood test for XXY. It is kinda overcast today, so I am going to stay home, and continue recovering from Tuesday's bike ride (I ran into a stiff head wind, and my body is tired today still). I figure it takes two weeks to learn the results anyway, so why not go there tomorrow. I am very anxious to find out, but not a big rush now that I know insurance is covering it. Too physically tired today.

hugs,

Stephanie

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Guest AllisonRae

Hi Stephanie, I actually am anxious to here your results. Been subtly trying to suggest that my doctor test me but so far she is not biting. I would really like to be tested just to clear this up in my own mind. At this juncture in my life it matters little except to sate my own curiosity. Like ypu I am happy now just to be me. Such a precious feeling to have!

Hugs

Allie

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Hi Allie,

I got my blood drawn today at the nearest U.C. Davis Medical lab to where I live here in Sacramento, and so two weeks from now I should learn the results. :thumbsup: Yep, I am very anxious to learn the results. :)

One of the things noticed by both Pablo (my doc), and the Genetic Counselor, and they both asked me about was span of my hands versus my height. Apparently this is one of the easiest to check signs of eunuchoid body habitus. In my case, I am 5'10" (way back in my military days I was measured at 6'0", oh well), but my hand span is 6'2.5", and this was in the report written up by the Genetic Counselor (a lot of the extra length is in the humerus bone). So you might want to measure yours to see if your hand span is over two inches greater than your height, if it is, then tell your your doctor that it is a possible symptom of Klinefelter's syndrome. Reports of genital anomalies reinforce the possible diagnoses, but of course I am not a doctor, just a patient. I just know that as soon as I told Pablo about my hypospadias he took it real seriously, and dropped me off Spiro to see how that would affect my blood test (I didn't have an initial test since I kinda was uh not under supervision for the first two months of HRT, not recommended). As it turns out, I just need Estrogen injections to fully suppress my Testosterone. Yep, no T blockers for me, that's groovy, less medicine to take is great. :) I hope some of this info helps you Allie, I know how it is to be curious about being intersex, I suspected something, but didn't actually realize that I was different in the genitals until about six months ago. Just not observant, or not yet ready to see it perhaps? Whatever, I am groovy about everything nowadays, except for the usual trials and tribulations of life. :)

hugs,

Stephanie

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Guest AllisonRae

Hi Stephanie, Glad to hear your under way in finding out. Oh how I dislike blood draws though.

I need to check my hand span measurement. I think it may just add to my long time suspicions. My t level was borderline low to start with so I am on a lower dose of Spiro. This information has help, especially about the hand span. Very interesting stuff. With me now it is mostly a curiosity since like you I am feeling really groovy now, lol. I am overcoming a near lifetime of anexity issues that I never thought I had. I never knew that it could feel this good just to be alive!

Hugs

Allie

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Groovy Allie, happy to give info!,

I always have to look away when having my blood drawn, and I am too girly to inject my E as well, but Alex has no problems doing it for me. Besides height to hand span being disproportionate, another easy to check symptom is small and soft testicles. I have taken to calling mine the almond brothers, since they are similar in size and shape to large almonds, but much softer than those big things males have. We laugh about my anomalies now, lol. Yep, it really doesn't make any difference now that I live as a woman. I mainly want the info for curiosities sake. I am kinda also curious if I have internal anomalies as well. Especially if any of my anomalies will affect GCS surgery. I will consult with Dr.Satterwhite about it when Alex goes in for top surgery consultation. It really does make life easier when your spouse is also going through transition.

hugs,

Stephanie

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Guest erinanita

Hi all,

I'm not and expert on Klinefelters Syndrome, but god how I hate that terminology. The term I use is xxy. That's what they are looking for in the karyotype - your chromosomes - are they xy, xx, or something else. In other words, are you male female or something else. I had a karyotype done years ago. The results were xxy/xxxy/xy. It's a mosaic. Mostly I just call it xxy, an intersex condition, because I'm not male and I'm not female. Although I can pose as either, I prefer to present as female.

I have some of the classic characteristics. My neurologist says it is the cause, in my case, of my gender issues, diabetes, epilepsy, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and a host of other conditions. It hasn't been easy, but I've lived with it. I take a lot of drugs to control diseases and conditions, not any different that other people take for these diseases. Epilepsy is the worst. Drug interactions cause seizures and they won't do electrolysis on me because they say it will cause seizures. I don't need Spiro because my body never produced testosterone, but I was told 14 years ago I needed to take it. Big, big mistake.

Anyways, it's an interesting subject.

Erin (Thtufus)

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Hi Erin,

Yep, it certainly is an interesting subject. I also have osteoarthritis, primarily in my knees, but I didn't realize that being intersex may have contributed to the condition. I should find out in about eight days what my chromosomes are like. My parents and my teacher thought that I had a mild form of Epilepsy way back when I was in elementary school. I attended Special Ed. from third grade through sixth. My family always considered me to be a weird kid, but my mom knew that I was in fact extremely intelligent. I was extremely shy, and introspective when I was younger. However, I have to admit that the military brought me out of my shell. I always joke with Alex that if someone was looking for an ex-infantry sergeant, they would ask him if he was a long time before they would ever think it might be cutesy me, lol. :) In any case, I totally agree with you, Klinefelter's syndrome is a kinda drastic sounding medical term. I prefer XXY, or 47 XXY trisomy, or something like that. I am getting kinda anxious to find out my karyotype, only a bit more than a week to go. :unsure:

hugs,

Stephanie

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Guest erinanita

Hi Stephanie,

I used to work in oilfield construction and I injured my knee back in 2000. I was on Workers' Compensation on and off for several years. I had my first surgery on it in 2001 but it did not work. I was sent to a rheumatologist to look further into the injury and he was the doc who said that it was osteoarthritis and Workers' Compensation didn't have to cover me because I had Klinefelters Syndrome. He was the one who insisted I had to take testosterone. I checked with the union and with WCB and they said it was all bs. But unfortunately, I did fall for the testosterone thing for a short period of time. I had poor self esteem and self confidence and I thought the T helped with that, but my relatives and friends said it made me aggressive and arrogant. It also started hair growth in places where I hadn't had any and didn't want any. The same doctor interfered 3 years later when WCB was covering me for a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery, again saying that was caused by Klinefelters Syndrome.

Yeah, epilepsy is a nuisance. Every time I think it's under control I have another seizure. Usually they take my driver's licence but the last time they didn't take it at all. I have a good neurologist. Because of epilepsy and the testosterone I took, I have to shave every day. Oh well, it could be worse.

As for the IQ, I was in the honours class every year until grade nine. I was really bored and flunked. I picked up and made it through high school but I just ran out of ambition. Trade school scared the daylights out of me but I did really well at that. I still went through life with a very poor ambition.

Although I know that a lot of people were never diagnosed with Klinefelters, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, especially mosaic cases and variants with more than two X's.

Erin (Thtufus)

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Hi Erin,

Thanks for the info, I didn't know that osteo-arthritis was associated with XXY, and its variants. I am trying to avoid surgery on my osteo-arthritic knees (first noticed jogging on the mall in Washington D.C. in winter). I never had any T supplements fortunately, so I pluck every couple of days when I remember to check on my face. I only shave my armpits, and legs once a week or two.

I never thought that I actually had epilepsy, I really didn't understand what they were seeing that I wasn't. I do go into trance rather easily, and I can lead others into trance as well. Folks like us are valued highly in my faith for shamanic abilities. For all I know, my propensities for trance work might be related to epilepsy.

Despite my previous career, and my current work as a wine tour guide, I also have low self esteem, I always have had it. I was shy until the military made me an NCO, it kinda forced me to find my acting ability and act as if I was not shy. False bravada, but it works. Fortunately I don't need to fake my chattiness, that comes naturally.

Life has been very hard for me at times, and I almost didn't make it to this point, so yeah if this is typical for those afflicted with XXY (the more Xs the worse it is), I wouldn't wish it for anyone. However, I gotta say, it is an advantage now that I live as a woman (I blend in despite my height). I could do without my heart defect, osteo-arthritis, possible epilepsy, panic/anger issues, and whatever else that seems to come with my condition though.

Well, this Friday it will be two weeks since I had blood drawn, so it won't be long before I finally learn my karyotype. Given all of my symptoms, I will be disappointed a bit if they don't find something in my chromosomes underlying my traits. However, I do agree with the doctors that most likely something is up with my body's blueprint. I just want to know what it is so that I can find closure. Also I don't want to be blindsided by any health issues stemming from my genes.

hugs,

Stephanie

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi all,

I finally have an update, I received a phone call from the Genetic Counselor yesterday. Given my multiple intersex anomalies, they fully expected to find XXY, but after checking 50 sets of chromosomes from my blood they only found XY. Surprising for me, and the doctors. She said that the blood test doesn't rule out some mosaic chromosome anomalies, possibly to be found in other parts of my body that don't easily show up in my blood. She said that if it remains a concern, more tests can be done. Unfortunately Pablo, my primary doctor whose specialty is endocrinology got an offer for a better position elsewhere, nice fellow (he gave us his cell phone number to keep in touch). So anyway that is where I am now on the intersex causation front. I have much more pressing medical concerns for a sick friend in the hospital, so this stuff is kinda on hold for now.

hugs,

Stephanie

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Hi Steph

first I wish your sick friend all the best for a speedy recovery.--Thats interesting that the chromosone anomalies can show up in other parts of the body---complex stuff---The osteoarthitis was an interesting fact as well--I have it in my shoulder but always attributed it to too much heavy workouts, football, etc. Its amazing what science can find out and pinpoint----anyway best wishes and all the best always to everyone on this site.

hugs

Krystal

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Guest erinanita

Hi Stephanie,

Interesting to hear about your results. When I had my prototype done they counted 43 sets of cells and the report was xxy - 38, xxxy - 3, xy -2. It's a mosaic and, yes, if they had counted more cells it could have been much different. But I have a lot of classic signs and my medical files say I have Klinefelter's. I was always short and stout (pear shaped) rather than tall and thin but I still was the tallest male in my family at 5' 7". I have a constant battle with my weight and that almost cost me my surgery.

Anyway, we just have to deal on an individual basis with each of our other conditions and live with the ones we can't control. I hope that your friend in the hospital is doing well.

(((Hugs)))

Thtufus

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  • 1 year later...

Stephanie

 I was checking the intersex topic and came across your post.  Hypospadias are a significant issue in DES male children along with Hypogonadic Hypogonadism ( low testosterone). I was a DES son as well as XXY on my karyotyping test.  And known I was transgender since age 5.  And I was born intersexed.

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Hi Kathryn Julia,

Thanks for the info.  I don't know for sure, but I very much suspect that DES was involved in my conditions.  I think there are a lot of us here who were affected by DES, especially and/or primarily those of us who were born in the fifties and sixties.  I think they stopped using it sometime in the early seventies, IIRC.  Yep, we certainly do have a lot in common, I also remember knowing there was a gender issue with me at the age of five. :)

hugs,

Stephanie

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    • Sally Stone
      Post 6 “The Military Career Years” In 1977 I joined the Army and went to flight school to become a helicopter pilot.  To fly for the military had been a childhood dream and when the opportunity arose, I took advantage of it, despite knowing I would have to carefully control my crossdressing activity.  At the time, military aviation was male dominated and a haven for Type A personalities and excessive testosterone.  I had always been competitive but my personality was not typically Type A.  And while I could never be considered effeminate, I wasn’t overtly masculine either.  Consequently, I had little trouble hiding the part of my personality that leaned towards the feminine side.    However, serving in the Army limited my opportunities for feminine self-expression.  During this period, I learned that being unable to express my feminine nature regularly, led to frustration and unhappiness.  I managed these feelings by crossdressing and underdressing whenever I could.  Underdressing has never been very fulfilling for me, but while I was in the Army it was a coping mechanism.  I only cross-dressed in private and occasionally my wife would take me out for a late-night drive.  Those drives were still quite private, but being out of the house was clearly therapeutic.    I told myself I was coping, but when it became apparent the Army was going to be a career, the occasional and closeted feminine expression was clearly inadequate.  I needed more girl time and I wanted to share my feminine side with the rest of the world, so the frustration and unhappiness grew.  Despite my feelings regarding feminine self-expression, I loved flying, so I wasn’t willing to give up my military career.  Consequently, I resigned myself to the fact that the female half of my personality needed to take a back seat, and what helped me through, was dreaming of military retirement, and finally having the ability to let Sally blossom.   About Sally. Ironically, she was born while I was still serving.  It was Halloween and my wife and I were hosting a unit party.  I looked upon the occasion as the perfect excuse to dress like a girl.  After a little trepidation, my wife agreed I should take advantage of the opportunity.  Back then, my transformations were not very good, but with my wife’s help, my Halloween costume looked quite authentic.  Originally, my wife suggested that my presentation should be caricature to prevent anyone from seeing through my costume.  But that didn’t appeal to me at all.  I wanted to look as feminine and ladylike as I could.   To my wife’s and my amazement, my costume was the hit of the party.  In fact, later in the evening, my unit buddies decided they wanted to take me out drinking and before either me or my wife could protest, I was whisked away and taken to one of our favorite watering holes.  Terrified at first, I had an amazing time, we all did.  But on Monday morning, when I came to work, I learned that I had a new nickname; it was Sally, and for the duration of that tour, that’s what I was called.  Well, when it came time for me to choose a feminine name, there weren’t any other choices.  Sally it was, and to this day I adore the name, and thank my pilot buddies for choosing it.   And this brings me to my last assignment before retiring.  I was teaching military science in an Army ROTC program at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.  I had been a member of TRIESS (a nationwide crossdressing support group).  I wasn’t really an active participant but when we moved to Georgia, I learned there was a local chapter in Atlanta.  I reached out to the membership chair person, and joined.   Because the chapter meetings took place in Atlanta, a trans friendly city, and because Atlanta was so far from Macon and any of my military connections, I felt it would be safe to let my feminine hair down.  The monthly meetings took place in the Westin Hotel and Conference Center in Buckhead, an upscale northern Atlanta suburb, and the hotel itself was 4-star.  The meetings were weekend affairs with lots of great activities that allowed me to express myself in a public setting for the first time.  It was during this time, that Sally began to blossom.   I have the fondest memories of Sigma Epsilon (the name of our chapter in Atlanta).  Because the hotel was also a conference center, there was always some big event, and in many cases, there were several.  One weekend there was a nail technician conference that culminated in a contest on Saturday evening.  When the organizers learned there was a huge group of crossdressers staying at the hotel, they reached out to us looking for manicure volunteers.  I volunteered and got a beautiful set of long red fingernails that I wore for the duration of the weekend.   During another of our meeting weekends, there was a huge military wedding taking place, and imagine what we were all thinking when we learned it was a Marine wedding.  Our entire group was on edge worrying we might have to keep a low profile.  It turned out to be one of the most memorable weekends I would experience there.  First off, the Marines were all perfect gentlemen.  On Friday night and throughout the day on Saturday before the wedding, we rubbed elbows with most of them and their wives in and around the hotel, and at the hotel bar.  In fact, we got along so well the bride invited us to the reception.  Somewhere, there is a picture of me with a handsomely dressed Marine draped on each of my arms, standing in the lobby of the hotel.  Sadly, I never got a copy of it because the woman who took the picture used a film camera (yes, they actually took picture that way in ancient times).    My two-years with Sigma Epsilon was the perfect transition.  I went from being fully closeted to being mostly out.  I enhanced my feminine presentation and significantly reduced my social anxiety.  It also signified the end of one life and the beginning of another.  I had a great career and never regretted serving, but I was ready to shed the restrictions 20-years of Army service had imposed on my feminine self-expression.  My new life, Sally’s life, was about to begin, and with it I would begin to fully spread a new set of wings, this time feminine wings.    Hugs, Sally
    • Sally Stone
      Ashley, for a very long time she clung to the term crossdresser, because for her it was less threatening.  Over the years, though, she has come to recognize and acknowledge that I have a strong feminine side.  And like me, she now has a much better understanding of where my transgender journey is going, so me being bigender, isn't the threat she might have perceived it as, years ago. 
    • Carolyn Marie
      https://apnews.com/article/title-ix-sexual-assault-transgender-sports-d0fc0ab7515de02b8e4403d0481dc1e7   The revised regulations don't touch on trans athletes; which I totally understand, as that's become a third rail issue and this is an election year.  But the other changes seem pretty sensible, and will obviously result in immediate right wing lawsuits.   Carolyn Marie
    • missyjo
      darling you have wonderful taste..I especially love the red dress n sneaker outfit   enjoy   missy
    • Carolyn Marie
      Very well said, @Abigail Genevieve, and very true.  Thank you.   Carolyn Marie
    • Susan R
      Trans Group Zoom Meeting Tomorrow!!   Trans Group Zoom Meeting Times: April 20, 2024 6:00 PM Pacific Time April 20, 2024 8:00 PM Central Time April 21, 2024 11:00 AM Australia/Melbourne   Message me for the meeting link if you’d like to attend.   *Hugs* Susan R🌷
    • Susan R
      They may win a few battles but not the war! as @Davie pointed out there is little truth if it full of lies, inconsistencies, and ignores evidence to the contrary. I saw this article earlier and have to agree here. Truth will win. This isn’t the first time this tactic has been tried. Always stick with the truth!
    • Susan R
      Welcome @violet r! Glad you joined our forum and got through the hardest part…that first post. As many have mentioned, we are more than accepting here as we affirm your gender identity and hold no judgement, whatsoever. There’s so much here on this forum, I think you’ll find very helpful. If you have trouble finding an answer just reach out, try the search but starting a new thread is usually best to get some quick answers. Many are here for various transgender related issues but many, if not all, are here to help one another if we can. It’s great to have you onboard.   Warmest Regards, Susan R🌷
    • Willow
      good evening   good day at work today.  I did do some things a little out of normal but everything was completed successfully.  As I said earlier, the Asst Mgr was my second today.  I don’t think she was too happy about that.  Several customers asked her where Richard was her answer was the manager cut his hours.  Well that is only part of the story,  his hours were cut just like mine were and several others but in his case he made demands about his hours that couldn’t be met.  But instead of making some non complaining remark about it she made sure to lay it all on the manager, thus throwing the manager under the bus.  Similarly when asked why she hadn’t been at work early mornings, she said she was being punished by the manager.  Well that’s partly true, she wouldn’t do what the manager told her to do so she took her off opening.  But secondarily she didn’t have a car to drive temporarily.  You can’t open the store without a car because who ever opens has tasks that require them to leave the store, so it was  at least partly her own fault.  But she chose to throw the manager under the bus for that.  I think she is asking to be fired for insubordination.  And if the manager gets these conversations off the security tape tomorrow she just might get her wish.   im pretty close to being ready to take the asst position but there isn’t anyone ready to take over my job, at least not at our store.  I suppose the other shift lead could if she is able to work earlier shifts and if the other closers were just a bit more reliable.   Ive been wanting some homefried chicken.  We found a BBQ place not far away that had such a chicken but I is made fresh when ordered so it has a 30 minute wait.  It was worth the wait and the other things we tried were also good.  Another restaurant on the list.  At least half of what we ordered came home for another meal.   i get to sleep in tomorrow, I go to work at 1:30!   Willow
    • Abigail Genevieve
      It was nine thirty.  Saturday morning had rolled around more quickly than Taylor could believe.  She groaned, whined, thought of a million excuses why she should just stay in bed and knock the alarm across the room.  But it would still be going on, and so would the promise to Bob: when the gi came in, she would be in. There it was in its nice package, out where she could not miss it.  Why didn't she hide it?  She shook her head.   Up she got.  Sometimes you just do.  Her hair was a wreck. She patted it down and went to the bathroom.  Nine forty five. Shower later. No make up. She hated kara-tay especially at an ungodly early hour on a Saturday morning. Bagel. Instant coffee.  She was five minutes away when she realized she had forgotten the gi.  Back she went.   Into the dojo.  She had about five minutes to get the gi on.  She attempted to slip in unnoticed and go to the little restroom. Someone barked something out in Japanese or something, and there was a dead silence.  She turned to see what was going on. Both classes were getting into their lines, but everyone, including Bob, was bowing slightly. To her. Bob nodded, and she returned the bow.  Life started again. She was touched.   Bowing three times. Oath. Kata.  She was facing off with Judy as her partner.  Judy looked worried.   "Sometimes you just gotta pick yourself up and try again," Taylor told her. She nodded. "Let's do this."   Lunge punch and lower block.  They traded off like nothing had happened the last weekend.  Lunge punch and middle block. Lunge punch and upper block.  It was kind of like dancing. Taylor enjoyed it.  She wanted to learn more.  Brown-belt Maggie adjusted position of limbs and hips for both Taylor and Judy, telling them when she was about to do something: elbow up a bit".    "How'd you do?" Bob asked her later.  They had both gone home and showered. Now they were in a booth at a fast food place.   "I was kind of disappointed class ended. I was ready for more."   "That's my trooper."   "I'm not allowing you in my apartment until we are married," she said suddenly.   "You think I am a problem?"   "No.  I think you are safe. You passed the test  I am the problem here."   "Okay."   "What did the doctor tell you?"   "It's complicated.  More tests coming.  Like getting into college.  I got a letter back.  It seems there is this big fat M on my transcript and my current picture is not an M type picture.  I have to write a letter and send them notarized proofs and stuff. Just delays. This is a pain. Nothing cut and dried."   "I will say.  I'm glad I'm not transgender."   "Hah. You are pulled into my world.  You are involved in this stuff as much as I am, and, as you put it, of your own free will."   "You are worth it."   "I hope so."   "I know so."      
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