A space for positive trans posts

[Bad_boi]

The rules of this thread are simple. Post something positive relating to being trans. It could be anything, something that made you smile, a positive change, hope for the future. Anything that is uplifting.


*HUGS* For all!

[s0litude]

When I finally acknowledged I was a transman, I thought I was cursed. My first injection, I'd like to tell y'all that I was stoic, strong, all excited and happy and rarin' to go. Nu uh. I was married even-- but I cried, thought no one could love me "this way". I can handle injections well, but the emotional side of it caused me to almost rip the arms off a stuffed animal I was hugging just to have something in my hands and arms.

Over time though, the shame and fear turned to pride.

I've had experiences and perspectives that others just do not "get" because of being a trans. I can easily see both sides of the coin when others are struggling to make sense of things. It truly is a blessing, not a curse. And I remember that when people try to belittle me for being this way. Sling your arrows elsewhere. I KNOW who and what I am. I'm damn proud of the man I became and continue to become each day. One day, I'll find a woman who loves me "scars and all". After all, scars are tattoos for the bold.

~Nicholas

[Linus]

Being accepted as who I am without question. I consider myself lucky in that I have a supportive work and personal life. For me, it's the fact that so many of my closest friends are male friends who treat me as one of the guys without making it awkward or anything weird.

[Bad_boi]

About a year ago a friend of mine had a medical emergency at his house. I had to call 911. He did not give me his address so I had to go thru a lot of red tape to get his info. I was on the phone for 3 hours with the sheriff and a bunch of different operators. I gave my name as it is legally, which is a male name. The operators/police never asked for my gender. In the morning a person from the hospital called me and when they heard my morning voice (I wasn't on T at that time) they told me they were looking for a male. I simply told them that I was a transgender male. They were cool about it. What really amazed me is that the sheriff assumed I was male and didn't think twice about it. I am really glad that my friend was ok.

[Nadeest]

One of the nice things about transitioning is that you get to see things from the opposite side of the fence, that you had been on, previously. It gets interesting, at times. :)

[EnderD_503]

I feel like when I feel happy now (vs before) I tend to be able to feel happy in a lot more complete way. The feeling of joy post-top surgery...I'm not sure how to describe that feeling of completely misery to complete joy. Now even when I'm upset or depressed there's still that sense of joy left over...even depression is a little happier now lol

[Nadeest]

Every milestone that we reach, things get a little bit better for us, I think. For example, going to the lady's room was extremely difficult and scary, for me, at first. Now, it is just a part of my everyday experience, and I don't really think about it.

[Bad_boi]

Every milestone that we reach, things get a little bit better for us, I think. For example, going to the lady's room was extremely difficult and scary, for me, at first. Now, it is just a part of my everyday experience, and I don't really think about it.

I agree. Using the restroom is a big change. I used single stall bathrooms for so long multi stall bathrooms were kinda awkward.

I got over it by just going in and washing my hands. Then by using less populated bathrooms like ones at parks and now I am pretty much used to using the men's. Having someone in there with you can also make you feel safer.

[Nadeest]

A friend of mine used to push herself into doing things that terrified her, during transition, by telling herself: "I need to do this. I have a right to do this. I will feel a lot better, after I have done this." It worked, for her, and I occasionally used it, to push myself into doing things, as well.

[Kent]

Great Thread!

I was mowing my overgrown yard Thursday, June 13, 2013, and I accidentally got whacked in the forehead with a piece of very large heavy gauge steel fencing after I had been mowing for over an hour and forty minutes. I felt of my forehead and there was not any blood, so I finished mowing for another 20 minutes. I went in the house took a shower and cooled down. Then, I called an old friend and we talked for two hours about anything and everything.

To make a long story short, I was not feeling so well about three hours after I had been whacked in the head. It felt like someone was hitting me in the forehead with a sledgehammer and in the back of my head with another sledgehammer. The two excedrins I had taken did nothing to even phase the pain so, I decided to go to the ER to check it out. I figured I had a concussion and just wanted to make sure that's all it was.

Once the doctor saw me, I told her what happened along with me being transgender and that I was not a woman. She understood and was fine with the information. A little while later, I told my nurse that I was not now nor have I ever been a woman, girl, lady or any feminine type of person. She understood too. She even stayed in my little ER room and talked to me for about 20 minutes before her shift was about to be over. We talked and laughed. I shared stories about my life with her and she shared a very personal story of her own about her son and her ex husband.

A little while later, I had a shot of morphine and thirty minutes after that I was given a CT scan. The CT scan made my head hurt worse than when I first went into the hospital. My nurse was attending to a man they had just put in my room and I called her name. She answered me by pulling back the little curtain and saying, "Yes, sir." That made my day. She got it and she understood.

[BestButchBoy]

... for More positivity!

[Nadeest]

I'm pretty positive that I am transgender. :P

[Bad_boi]

One of my friends that hasn't seen me in a long time was very amused with my happy trail and tried to tickle my belly lol.

[Nadeest]

I've been going to a temp labor place for work, until I find a job, and I met a butch there, that had never met a transwoman before. She has started learning about transfolk, thru me, and seems to have had some illusions dispelled, that she had thought about us. :)

[LoyalWolfsBlade]

It seems fitting that I found this thread today. After 46 years I am finally getting my prescription for T on Wed. Thanks to three wonderful women, my doctor, my therapist and WingsOnFire as well as many brothers on here I have the courage to face a fear. Giving myself shots. I had to laugh though when my therapist was reading the DSV-TR requirements for G.I.D. When she got to the requirement of presenting as a man she busted out laughing. The good laugh and I joined in with her. She wrote her first T letter for me and didn't even have to.

WingsOnFire has been nothing but loving and supportive and God forbid anyone give me crap for my decision around her.

My doctor is little bucket of energy and is almost as excited as I am. She even put little notes on my baseline tests.

[WingsOnFire]

It seems fitting that I found this thread today. After 46 years I am finally getting my prescription for T on Wed. Thanks to three wonderful women, my doctor, my therapist and WingsOnFire as well as many brothers on here I have the courage to face a fear. Giving myself shots. I had to laugh though when my therapist was reading the DSV-TR requirements for G.I.D. When she got to the requirement of presenting as a man she busted out laughing. The good laugh and I joined in with her. She wrote her first T letter for me and didn't even have to.

WingsOnFire has been nothing but loving and supportive and God forbid anyone give me crap for my decision around her.

My doctor is little bucket of energy and is almost as excited as I am. She even put little notes on my baseline tests.

I am so very proud of you and your progress in becoming the person you know you were meant to be. I am so very thankful for open minded people and doctors in Oregon. I fell in love with my doctor when I met her and I was so very proud that she was extremely willing to help you with your journey.

I know for myself when I began my journey into unchartered waters 5 years ago with my first FTM partner it was not easy. I overcame fears and stigmas that are attached by people who either refuse to understand or are afraid of what they dont understand. In searching out answers for my questions I have become a huge advocate of FTMs and MTFs alike. It is their journey and no one elses. So lets cheer them on instead of tearing them down.

I will stand up and cheer for you any day when it comes to your transition. When you psychiatrist, therapist and PCP all agree that this is the right thing for you then no one else should question or judge you for it. It is perfectly ok to have questions, to disagree, to not accept. It is not ok to put someone down because they dont understand or accept or agree.

I am honored to have helped you fight your battle and win.

WingsOnFire...

[Nadeest]

Congrats on starting T. :)

[LoyalWolfsBlade]

There is nothing like being around a group of transmen and FtM guys. The laughter and similar stories is refreshing. I love Tuesday nights

[Nadeest]

That can be fun, I know. Mind you, I am on the other side of the path, but I do know that it is good to be around others that understand what you are going thru. You can also get advice from them, a lot of the time. :)

[Bad_boi]

Met another T guy tonight. Its nice to be able to hang with other guys who understand and accept me. It is freedom to just be who I am and not worry about anything at all.

[LoyalWolfsBlade]

I spent the afternoon well a couple of hours at least with four other trans guys and it was beyond description. All of us are at different levels of transition and not one of us talked about it. It was just so unbelievable to be around guys that have been there, are going through it, that accept me as the real me and not the outer shell that the rest of society sees.
To top it off it is going to be a regular occurrence since the five us have something else in common beyond being trans.I do love the energy we share and the similar experience no matter our age or background. However I was a little envious of all the facial hair...(scratching my chin as I think this).

[Nadeest]

I've lived in exactly four different places since I started transitioning. A small town in Michigan, Dallas ( for about a month and a half), Houston, and now here in Florida. I have had exactly ONE person clock me, since I have been here. Otherwise, no one seems to realize that I am ts, unless I tell them. It is interesting to look back, and see how hard that we fought to get where we are, when it finally happens, that we are accepted.

[BestButchBoy]

...in hopes of keeping a positive dialogue open. I had participated in a male-id butch / trans group at The Center in Manhattan. I was/am struck by how poorly people feel about themselves. It all starts with you: Self-love. Self-acceptance.

Discuss.

[Bad_boi]

It all starts with you: Self-love. Self-acceptance.

Discuss.

I would have to agree with this statement.

Sometimes I think it is hard for people to love themselves. In our society loving yourself is considered "vain" or "conceited". The fact is if you like and accept yourself as you are that is healthy.

Its hard to love and accept being in a body that feels "wrong". I can't speak for anyone else but myself really. I have some issues with dysphoria but I realize things like I can do most anything any other man can do. (I might need to attach somethings but hey, what guy wouldn't want to be any size he chooses at any given time? Haha) I also have come to realize that I don't have dysphoria about a lot of my body and I focus on the things I can do with it and what I am thankful for.

For trans folks there is a big focus on change that we have to let go of sometimes. We have to understand that what is on the inside is what counts and we are people despite our "parts". Those parts do not define us the way our souls do.

[Nadeest]

I just realized, yesterday, that I am likely going to have to train my new VA health care providers on transgender health care. This is going to be 'interesting'.

[SirLucian]

for this thread
it is nice to have a space
for US

[DMW]

Reflection making me smile...
My cousin's initial response upon learning of my transition.
Which he later shared with me while we were both cracking up
and smoking cigars together.
"Well, we knew he was seriously butch, but not that butch."
Love it.

[Liam]

I am so grateful that I have such wonderful healthcare providers. I do not have health insurance, but I have healthcare for no/low income people. I did not join the clinic which targets trans folks, but one that targets native americans. Each person there treats me, as well as my partner, with respect and kindness, and I find them to be genuine. My doctor is just as excited about my pending top surgery, as I am. I wish every transperson had the resources available to them, that I do.

[DMW]

The Man In The Glass
Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr.

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he’s with you, clear to the end
And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

[Smiling]

This story is about a week or two old, but it was just so refreshing to read an article about a transgendered individual that didn't have to do with them being murdered, bullied, assaulted, or committing suicide due to one or more of the aforementioned; and so, I wanted to post it even if most of you have already seen it.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/22/us-usa-california-transgender-idUSBRE98L0GZ20130922

[o'queery]

When He walks, His swagger.

When He rubs His whiskers on my cheeks.

His shoulders.

This list could get really lengthy...

i heart Ftm's

i love their hearts and souls, their bravery. Keep shining.

[Bad_boi]

A new friend called me a nice young man. I got one of those stupid happy grins. I swear it never gets old.

[Nadeest]

It appears that I was wrong. My doctor, whom I finally met the other day, has three other transgender patients. :)

[DapperButch]

I am so grateful that I have such wonderful healthcare providers. I do not have health insurance, but I have healthcare for no/low income people. I did not join the clinic which targets trans folks, but one that targets native americans. Each person there treats me, as well as my partner, with respect and kindness, and I find them to be genuine. My doctor is just as excited about my pending top surgery, as I am. I wish every transperson had the resources available to them, that I do.

Hi, Liam. I can't remember if you told us who was doing your top surgery?

What's the date of the surgery? Good luck to you!

[Liam]

Hi, Liam. I can't remember if you told us who was doing your top surgery?

What's the date of the surgery? Good luck to you!

I don't know the name of the surgeon, it will be a student though. I don't know the date either, my name is on a list, and my Doctor's best guesstimate was sometime this Fall, although I'm beginning to think it might be Winter, instead.

[DapperButch]

I don't know the name of the surgeon, it will be a student though. I don't know the date either, my name is on a list, and my Doctor's best guesstimate was sometime this Fall, although I'm beginning to think it might be Winter, instead.

Interesting, I have never heard of someone not being given a date. Well, when you do find out, make sure you let us know (top surgery thread, perhaps), so that we can cheer you on! :goodluck:

[LoyalWolfsBlade]

You know it still surprises me how accepting this area is. More so how wonderful my college has been and is being when it comes to anything relating to me being an open and out transgender pre op FtM. I finally had to have the bathroom talk with student services today. I was having difficulty with some individuals when I used one of the two men's rooms so at the time I choose to do everything possible not to use the restroom ay school. You know one of those puck your battles situations. After all I will not be going there four years. Well I was reminded Friday that my bladder shrinks to the size of a pea in the winter and recalling the hassles from last semester I used the woman's room hoping it was empty. I feel bad for the woman that was in there bcs I scared the shit out of her. Hell if I was a woman and someone that looked like me walk into the restroom I would have been scared to. So I decided it was time to take the issue to the decision makers today. I sure didn't want to scare anyone or put up with harassment I didn't have to. The woman in student services was wonderful. Of course she couldn't make any decisions but I knew she would know the rest of the steps and people. So she listened and made sure I hadn't experienced anything hateful then took me to the first in line for these things. She did all the talking referred to me in all the proper pro nouns and other terms. Then again she has been wonderful in her treatment to me since I started school. I don't even mind it when she refers to me as the schools test subject jokingly. It was decided the campus president would have to handle this issue. So I have to talk to him tomorrow mainly because he wants to hear first hand about the incidents that occurred when I attempted to use the men's room and to get my input on how to handle it. Again he has always been great with me and very respectful so I am not to worried about it. I guess I am still amazed by the responces because it is so drastic from what I would have gotten back home. Doesn't hurt that my T has helped my responces to these things at least that's what I give the credit to for my more rational thinking and calmer approach to things. Let's hope I don't loose the right to take it on Thursday and if I do these are two of the things I get to keep from having used T.

[BestButchBoy]

Bump up the positive thinking, posting, sharing, being.

[Liam]

I am attending a three week/six session empowerment workshop for trans folk. My co-attendees range in age from young to old, with those preferring male, female and gender neutral pronouns. I am honored to hear their stories, and they inspire me to continue to be out as a trans man. Forty years ago I could see the importance of being out, believing that the stigma attached to being queer would lose its weight and there would be more acceptance for lesbians and gay men. I've witnessed the truth of this in my lifetime, and while not everyone may embrace the rainbow family, enough do, to make it feel safer to be queer. So I have put aside my fear once again, to say to the world, this is who I am, and it is okay to be me.

[Nadeest]

You know it still surprises me how accepting this area is. More so how wonderful my college has been and is being when it comes to anything relating to me being an open and out transgender pre op FtM. I finally had to have the bathroom talk with student services today. I was having difficulty with some individuals when I used one of the two men's rooms so at the time I choose to do everything possible not to use the restroom ay school. You know one of those puck your battles situations. After all I will not be going there four years. Well I was reminded Friday that my bladder shrinks to the size of a pea in the winter and recalling the hassles from last semester I used the woman's room hoping it was empty. I feel bad for the woman that was in there bcs I scared the shit out of her. Hell if I was a woman and someone that looked like me walk into the restroom I would have been scared to. So I decided it was time to take the issue to the decision makers today. I sure didn't want to scare anyone or put up with harassment I didn't have to. The woman in student services was wonderful. Of course she couldn't make any decisions but I knew she would know the rest of the steps and people. So she listened and made sure I hadn't experienced anything hateful then took me to the first in line for these things. She did all the talking referred to me in all the proper pro nouns and other terms. Then again she has been wonderful in her treatment to me since I started school. I don't even mind it when she refers to me as the schools test subject jokingly. It was decided the campus president would have to handle this issue. So I have to talk to him tomorrow mainly because he wants to hear first hand about the incidents that occurred when I attempted to use the men's room and to get my input on how to handle it. Again he has always been great with me and very respectful so I am not to worried about it. I guess I am still amazed by the responces because it is so drastic from what I would have gotten back home. Doesn't hurt that my T has helped my responces to these things at least that's what I give the credit to for my more rational thinking and calmer approach to things. Let's hope I don't loose the right to take it on Thursday and if I do these are two of the things I get to keep from having used T.

Perhaps I am misunderstanding things, but did you say that you might lose the right to take T ??? NO ONE has the right to tell you that, not anyone at all! If anyone tells you that, tell them that I say to them: "Fuck you!".

I hope that what you meant was that you might lose the right to use the men's room. Please show the university president your 'Carry Letter.' That should help take care of the problem, if your's is anything like my 'Carry Letter'.

Hang in there, honey, and good luck. Hugs, Nadine

[LoyalWolfsBlade]

Actually you read it right but I worded it wrong. Blame it on my grieving process for the lose. What I should have said that there is a good chance that on Thursday I will have to stop taking T due to a medical side effect. They found tumors on both of my andrino glands while I was in the hospital for phenomena. However I also found out yesterday that my sister has the same thing so it could be genetic and not T related. I apologize for the wording but that is how it feels after such a long fight to finally get to start my transition. However, as Liam and Lady Pamela reminded me it is not the T that makes me who I am or the man I am. I just am. Granted the T helps in a lot of ways I can't even explain. Still though it is good to have friends like Liam and Lady Pamela that remind me of the truth.
As for the restroom it hasn't been resolved yet but that was bcs I pulled a 24 hr night and didn't make it to school. I am not to worried about the outcome especially since in one month my government id will state that I am legally a male. T or no T
Besides the school is being really good about everything to this point. We will see.

[Nadeest]

Eh, things happen. I hope that you can continue to take T, though. I know that I would not do well, at least right now, if I were forced to stop taking my hormones. I don't know for sure how that I would handle it, but I do know that I would be obtaining an orchidectomy ( This op removes the testicles, so that the body doesn't produce testosterone anymore, well, not much, anyhow.) immediately, if not sooner. I'd have to manage it, somehow, as I absolutely refuse to allow my system to go back to the way that it was.

Liam and Lady Pamela are right, you ARE a man, regardless of whether you are on T or not. Hang in there! HUGS

[Bad_boi]

I forgot to mention that I got Christmas cards with my real name on them :)

I swear seeing that my name is legally my name never gets old :)

[BestButchBoy]

http://www.nowness.com/media/embedvideo?itemid=3666&issueid=2765


Watch this trans-positive ad campaign for Barney's New York done by Bruce Weber. Great piece.

[BestButchBoy]

yAHCqnux2fk#t=111

[Liam]

I am blessed to live on the edge of/and work in the gayest neighborhood of San Francisco. I am not the only transperson at my workplace; so my team mates and customers are savy, respectful, and very understanding. I am still waiting for my chest surgery, and I am not able to always hide the fact that I do not have the typical male chest, and since starting there at the end of January, my voice was cracking for awhile, and is once again, noticeably deeper. There have been several occasions, when I was asked questions that were pertinent, in the moment, related to my transition. They were asked discreetly and very respectfully. The sensitivity shown to me, touches me deeply, and I can feel how much I am cared for and liked. I feel like I am the luckiest guy in the world, and that I could not be in a better place, nor work with a finer bunch of folks.

[LoyalWolfsBlade]

I was completely shocked when my nice introduced me to her byfriend as her Uncle Alix still smiling over that one. Maybe there is hope for my bio family yet, well at least the younger generation!

[Liam]

Father, writer, and public health consultant, Willy Wilkinson was the Transgender Law Center's, Claire Skiffington's Vanguard Awardee for 2014. I've had the pleasure of meeting Willy several times, and I have personally benefited greatly from a workshop which he wrote, and continues to add to, called the Trans Employment Empowerment Initiative, which is offered through The (LGBQT) Center in collaboration with TransThrive. One of the many reasons why I am happy to be living in San Francisco.

Recently, Willy alerted BABOYZ (Bay Area Boyz, an email group, which is a resource for transmen in the Bay Area, notifying members of news, events, and resources, relevant to transmen, as well as a venue for transmen to ask other transmen questions,) of an OP-ED piece that appeared in the Advocate this month, written by his wife.

"Check out my amazing wife Georgia Kolias' article in the Advocate about accepting my gender transformation. I love her brave, authentic voice about the complexities of being a lesbian married to a trans man."

http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2014/07/18/op-ed-accepting-my-partners-gender-transformation

In a later BABOYZ's email, it was shared that there was a Call for Submissions by Transgress Press, and to please let our partners know about it.

"Letters from Our Partners", inspired by "Letters for My Brothers", is an anthology of Letters written by partners to their trans* partner about their experience being partnered with a trans* person.

http://www.transgresspress.org/2013/12/28/call-for-submissions-letters-from-our-partners/

Deadline has been extended. Email editor (on call page via link above) to get exact date.

Some of you might be familiar with "Letters for My Brothers", a book whose contributors included several members from our site.

I wanted to share this information, since this seems to be a persistent topic in my world, and on more than one occasion, an ongoing dialog which I have had with my partners, who identified as lesbians and femmes.

[Rufusboi]

My whole experience has been positive. I found a great local doctor and have been on T just over 4 years (July 15th was my four year T anniv).

On Jan 24th, 2014 I had a phalloplasty with Dr. Crane in San Francisco. They were the nicest people I ever met. The hospital staff was wonderful and encouraging.

Even getting my paperwork changed a few years ago went smoothly. I was born in Kentucky and thought I would run into problems with my birth certificate but had zero problems.

I now live in Texas and thought I would run into problems with getting my gender marker changed with social security, but again had no problems.

I feel very lucky. And on top of all that I got married almost 4 years ago (Oct 14th is our fourth anniv) in New Orleans. She has been with me every step of this transition and still gives me my twice monthly T shot.


Rufus

[Jesse]

I happened across this article on Esquire and thought others here may be interested in reading it.

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/news/thomas-mcbee-interview?click=smart&kw=ist&src=smart&mag=ESQ&link=http://www.esquire.com/blogs/news/thomas-mcbee-interview

[BestButchBoy]

Unfortunately, I did not see this. You? I'm always happy to see something positive and mainstream out there about the lgbT community. I believe it helps to mitigate ignorance, which in turn, helps to mitigate fear. The antithesis to love and acceptance, of oneself and others. Cheers for Queers!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/17/the-t-word-laverne_n_5998692.html

[tantalizingfemme]

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/11-insanely-hot-men-you-will-not-believe-are-trans181114-0

[Kelt]

The New Face of Transgender Youth (https://news.yahoo.com/the-new-face-of-transgender-youth-231106807.html?outbr=katiec2014)

Katie Couric interviews "Jazz"

[LeftWriteFemme]

QFoBaTkPgco&feature

[BestButchBoy]

For me, the thing that eliminates fear and ignorance is education and what could be considered mainstream exposure to groups of diverse people and experiences. As such, I'm thrilled and excited to see progress in the transgendered community and how some industries [like the fashion industry, performing arts, for instance...] are putting it out there for the whole world. I know if this were all available to, and witnessed by me, when I was a youth, it would have had a long-lasting and positive effect. I mean, the cover of Vogue still has a lot of cachet and it is broadly and internationally viewed as an accepted publication of fashion and advertising authority.

Cheers for Queers!

http://www.vogue.com/13253741/andreja-pejic-transgender-model/

[Feasting Panther]

That is great you were able to give someone a bit of positive insight, I'm M-T-F don't have any major issues these days, except with dating. I'm a Butch and Androgynous Naturally due to being XXY.
I've found trying to explain it all to a Womyn who is interested a bit much for them to grasp and it kind of freaks them out a bit sometimes...

[Candelion]

X4QausK06WA&feature=youtu.be

[DaddyShaun]

So I've known for almost 10 years that I've wanted to transition, possibly longer, but due to my concern with some family members I've kept this about myself secret this whole time. Well until today, my mom's health is declining rapidly and I knew that I needed to tell her before it was too late. So today I decided to not only tell mom but also my brother and my boss. I needed to be open because I'm up for a promotion into a management program and I didn't want this to negatively affect anything, which I was assured it wouldn't and I was even given praise for letting her know. My family is taking it better then I thought and I finally feel like I can be me and move on with what I want to do with my life :D

[DapperButch]

So I've known for almost 10 years that I've wanted to transition, possibly longer, but due to my concern with some family members I've kept this about myself secret this whole time. Well until today, my mom's health is declining rapidly and I knew that I needed to tell her before it was too late. So today I decided to not only tell mom but also my brother and my boss. I needed to be open because I'm up for a promotion into a management program and I didn't want this to negatively affect anything, which I was assured it wouldn't and I was even given praise for letting her know. My family is taking it better then I thought and I finally feel like I can be me and move on with what I want to do with my life :D

Wow. This is great. Congratulations!

[DaddyShaun]

I got my first injection of T today at about noon :D I am beyond excited that I can finally live out and happy and the important people in my life are in full support of me. My younger brother told me last weekend that he was going to "give me man lessons" lol I am going to go with it it's funny that he wants to be involved.
:batman:

[nycfem]

I love this thread. That is all...

[DapperButch]

I got my first injection of T today at about noon :D I am beyond excited that I can finally live out and happy and the important people in my life are in full support of me. My younger brother told me last weekend that he was going to "give me man lessons" lol I am going to go with it it's funny that he wants to be involved.
:batman:

Congrats!!

[girlin2une]

I'm posting this mainly to get people's thoughts...
http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/06/more-male-privilege-trans-man/
Perhaps it's been posted elsewhere...

[ProfPacker]

I'm posting this mainly to get people's thoughts...
http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/06/more-male-privilege-trans-man/
Perhaps it's been posted elsewhere...

I saw this as well and thought it was very insight and really does codify white male privilege

[Kelt]

Images of older trans* people.

Sometimes it seems like all I see "out there" about trans issues, conversations, presentations only applies to folks under the age of 30, or 20 if I'm real about it. It's discouraging. Of course the resources and beginnings of social acknowledgment (nevermind acceptance) are recent seemingly, only in the last decade or so.

I don't know if this has been posted already but it's fairly new, a photographer has captured the images and stories of some of the older members of the trans community and complied them on a website "To Survive On This Shore (http://www.tosurviveonthisshore.com/home)".

Advocate published an article about it back in February here (http://www.advocate.com/politics/transgender/2015/02/24/photos-transgender-elders-show-us-meaning-survival?page=0%2C0).

[LeftWriteFemme]

hmoAX9f6MOc

[Gemme]

hmoAX9f6MOc

I had to wait over 12 and a half minutes, but I saw him!

Excellent video. I like this guy so much.

[DapperButch]

Thank you so much LWF, I hadn't seen this!

I have enjoyed coming across Mike's pic here and there on social media.

[nycfem]

IN NYC:

AGING FIERCELY WHILE TRANS with Kate Bornstein, Sheila Cunningham, Miss Major, & Jay Toole

Presentations + Community Discussion: 2–4PM

Intergenerational Reception: 4–5PM

This community, open forum event will bring together trans, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming folks from across generations, along with allies, to discuss and celebrate AGING FIERCELY WHILE TRANS.

Amidst ongoing violence and increased visibility for the trans community is the truth of the importance of trans lives. Often missing in conversations between both the great heights of visibility and the epic lows of violence and neglect are trans and gender non-conforming folks who have lived long, storied and rich lives. Presented by Visual AIDS and the NYC Trans Oral History Project, AGING FIERCELY WHILE TRANS is centered around the lives and stories of four gender non-conforming folks who have aged resiliently: Kate Bornstein, Sheila Cunningham, Miss Major, and Jay Toole. The event, moderated by Reina Gossett, is an opportunity to hear experiences, stories, and insights from multiple generations of people from across the gender spectrum. Come and be a part of the conversation.

AGING FIERCELY WHILE TRANS is inspired by art, activism, and life of Chloe Dzubilo, who passed away in 2011. Although Chloe is no longer with us, it is clear to those who love her and the organizers of this event that she would be among the growing intergenerational dialogue of trans lives and legacies.

AGING FIERCELY WHILE TRANS is coordinated in conjunction with the second publication of Visual AIDS' DUETS series, Che Gossett & Alice O'Malley in Conversation on Chloe Dzubilo (2014), which features a conversation between Che Gossett and Alice O'Malley about the art, activism and life of Chloe Dzubilo. DUETS is a series of publications that pairs artists, activists, writers, and thinkers in dialogues about their creative practices and current social issues around HIV/AIDS.

The NYC Trans Oral History Project is a community archive devoted to the collection, preservation and sharing of trans histories.

Please be in touch with Alex (afialho@visualaids.org) if you have any special needs in order to attend the event.
The building is wheelchair accessible.

Participant Biographies

KATE BORNSTEIN is a world renowned transgender activist, author, playwright, performance artist, blogger and educator who focus on issues of gender and sexuality. Her books "Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us" and "My Gender Workbook" are essential reading in gender, queer and feminist studies. Kate's books are taught in five languages in over 200 colleges and universities around the world. She lives in New York City with her girlfriend, three cats, two dogs, and one turtle, in whose company she wrote her new memoir, A Queer and Pleasant Danger: The true story of a nice Jewish boy who joins the Church of Scientology, and leaves twelve years later to become the lovely lady she is today. For more info on Kate Bornstein: http://katebornstein.typepad.com/


MISS MAJOR GRIFFIN-GRACY, for over 40 years, has been an activist, instigator, and community organizer. From the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion to her current work with the Transgender GenderVariant Intersex Justice Project, Miss Major has worked tirelessly for social justice and the human rights of transgender women of color. She identifies as a father, mother, grandmother, and grandfather to her own children, and to many in the transgender community. Miss Major has spoken around the world about concerns of transwomen of color in the prison industrial complex. Her life and campaigns are currently the focus of a feature length documentary film, which will be released in 2015. For more information visit http://www.tgijp.org/ and http://www.missmajorfilm.com/


JAY TOOLE is a 67 year-old butch identified (well superbutch identified) lesbian who battled addiction for 37 years, during which time she was homeless for over 25 years, and often lived on and under the streets of NYC and in the NYC shelters. In 1999, she got her GED, she began volunteering with The Coalition for the Homeless as a shelter Monitor. In November of 2000 she left the shelter system for her first ever apartment in her own name. Since 2001 she has graduated from The Resource Training Center to become a alcohol and substance abuse counselor with a award and prize for leadership in education, worked part-time as an out-reach worker to the shelter system on recovery issues at the LGBT Community Center. In 2006 she received the Richard L. Schiegel National Legion of Honor Award for Emerging Activist. In 2011, Jay was honored for her service to the transgender community by the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. She is a Co-Founder of Queers for Economic Justice and was the Shelter Project Director for over 14 years and now is the founder of Jay's House. In 2014 Jay was honored by Camba (one of NYC largest homeless providers) for her continued work to make shelters safer for queer adult homeless.

[Ginger]

I'm posting this mainly to get people's thoughts...
http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/06/more-male-privilege-trans-man/
Perhaps it's been posted elsewhere...

Yes, there is such a thing as male privilege. When you transition to female to male, you have even more insight into that. I don't get why this is news.

[BestButchBoy]

5j5AC_NgQpc

[Gemme]

I found this (http://www.aol.com/article/2015/07/15/siri-shuts-down-anyone-who-tries-to-call-caitlyn-jenner-bruce/21209745/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl14%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D13277485 19).

Siri will shut down anyone who tries to call Caitlyn Jenner Bruce. If a phone gets it, anyone should be able to. :)

[Jesse]

All transgender modeling agency set to launch.

https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2015/07/22/all-transgender-modeling-agency-set-launch

[*Anya*]

Trans Men’s Positive Emotions
The Interaction of Gender Identity and Emotion Labels

Stephanie L. Budge1
Joe J. Orovecz1
Jayden L. Thai2

1University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
2University of Louisville, Louisvillle, KY, USA

Stephanie L. Budge, Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1000 Bascom Mall, Room 309, Madison, WI 53706, USA. Email: budge@wisc.edu

Abstract
The current study used grounded theory methods to analyze trans men’s positive emotions. The sample included 11 participants who were assigned a female sex at birth and currently identify with a binary male identity. Results yielded eight positive emotion themes emerging for trans men, which included the following: confidence, comfort, connection, feeling alive, amazement, pride, happiness, and interpersonal reactionary emotions.

Participants reported specific gender experiences within these themes, including a sense of brotherhood, excitement related to taking testosterone, authentic pride in identifying as a man, and happiness connected to others using correct gender language (e.g., pronouns, family labels, greetings).

A theoretical model from the eight themes and 39 higher order categories emerged, indicating the importance of initial internal emotions, confidence related to trans men’s identity processes, and the ways in which positive interpersonal interactions affect positive emotions. Implications include using emotion-focused therapy and including more positivity into trans individuals’ experiences and emotions.

http://tcp.sagepub.com/content/43/3/404.abstract

[Kelt]

This is something I had not seen from about three weeks ago. The New York Times is running a series of pieces apparently (I'll stop back when I find more) so here is a section of transpersons telling their own stories.

Transgender Lives: Your Stories (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/storywall/transgender-today)

[DapperButch]

There are days that I feel just ridiculously happy since my transition.

Just out of the blue I realize I am happy.

I thought to myself...."Is this what real life is like?" You just sort of live and people regard you, experience you, and interact with the real you, as you?

It's so flipping easy. Such a new way to live life. The world outside my home is not an anxiety inducing place anymore. Who knew it could be like that?

<--- blessed

[Galahad]

This is great to hear/read. I've not come across too many posts this positive about transition. I always read about the problems.

[Kelt]

THIS:

"Call to remove gender from UK passports and driving licences" (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/02/call-to-remove-gender-from-uk-passports-and-driving-licences)

This makes so much more sense to me. Instead of all the rigmarole around how to get things changed in this place or that place, simply remove the extraneous.

It seems that about 95% of the places it's currently required it's totally irrelevant.

My .02

[Kelt]

THIS:

"Call to remove gender from UK passports and driving licences" (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/02/call-to-remove-gender-from-uk-passports-and-driving-licences)

This makes so much more sense to me. Instead of all the rigmarole around how to get things changed in this place or that place, simply remove the extraneous.

It seems that about 95% of the places it's currently required it's totally irrelevant.

My .02

I just got the perfect example in my own life. I recently moved and the county sent me a notice to update my voter registration. I don't have to state any political party affiliation (relevant to voting), BUT, I do have to select a binary gender (relevant to nothing).

:blink:

[Kelt]

I haven't seen anyone post this yet, so I thought this would be a good place for it. I've seen this Nike ad twice now, must see.

_gq8PO9XK2Y

YouTube seems a bit overwhelmed at the moment, if you can't see it here, go >here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gq8PO9XK2Y)<

There is an article about this in Runners World (http://www.runnersworld.com/olympics/nike-ad-features-transgender-athlete) from yesterday. :cheesy:

[Kelt]

The History of the Trans Community as Told by Its Aging Members (http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2015/11/20/jess_t_dugan_to_survive_on_this_shore_is_a_series_ about_the_aging_transgender.html)

[pumpndude]

I am glad I found this thread..
It is a good and safe place for all, even the guys who are just transitioning
now...

I'm hoping that this year I can grow a beard, finally . Already working on it...I'll know in a few weeks :hangloose:


:happyjump:

[Jesse]

First Free Transgender Care Clinic Opens in Central Texas! (http://www.kvue.com/news/local/first-free-transgender-care-clinic-to-open-in-texas/421003202)

[DapperButch]

First Free Transgender Care Clinic Opens in Central Texas! (http://www.kvue.com/news/local/first-free-transgender-care-clinic-to-open-in-texas/421003202)

Yay for a "positive post" to share during this crappy time!

[Jesse]

Yay for a "positive post" to share during this crappy time!

And in Texas at that!

[Jesse]

Cool video to celebrate Transgender Visibility Day March 31, 2017!

http://www.samesame.com.au/news/15382/The-Self-Definition-Project-Amplifies-Trans-Voices

[Gemme]

Cool video to celebrate Transgender Visibility Day March 31, 2017!

http://www.samesame.com.au/news/15382/The-Self-Definition-Project-Amplifies-Trans-Voices

I did not know that today was Transgender Visibility Day.

Thank you for this, Jesse.

Sometimes the best thing we can say to one another is, "I see you".

[easygoingfemme]

Cool video to celebrate Transgender Visibility Day March 31, 2017!

http://www.samesame.com.au/news/15382/The-Self-Definition-Project-Amplifies-Trans-Voices

I didn't know this either- thank you !

[DapperButch]

Maybe tomorrow I'll wear my t-shirt that says, "This is what trans looks like".

'Course #1 I can't wear a t-shirt to work, and #2, except for the receptionist every single person I see tomorrow will be trans themselves...hmmmmm

[Gemme]

Happy Transgender Visibility Day!

I see I jumped the gun on the date last night.

[DapperButch]

...more physical energy. I went outside and was going to just pull a few weeds....I ended up doing several hours of work in the yard. I planned to be out there for about 15 minutes, but some serious energy kicked in after I got started.

[JDeere]

I cant find a place to post this but I think this site is positive!

All natural products for guys. I posted it on the butches but want to share with yall as well.

www.manready.com