I have no idea where to start, so I suppose I'll just jump right into it. I'll try to keep it short and simple.
First time posting on these forums
My name is Julian, I am 22 years old, and I was born Male, though I am very confident in my belief that I am Female at heart and soul. I don't really know what caused me to start thinking about it, but when I was 20, my desire to be a complete female started driving me mad. I was ashamed of it and hid that desire away, only telling two of my closest friends, who thankfully accepted it and I am still very close with them. Recently I decided that something must be done about it, so I've put many hours of research into the subject and I realize that I still have no idea what to do about it. I've been seriously considering going all the way into SRS, but with no money, fending for myself entirely with bills to pay, and only being a waiter, I just don't know what to do.
The entire situation has been putting extreme stress on me for the last 2 and a half years. I finally told my mother everything today. Being a very religious woman, she said I should pray about it, she would pray for me, and to talk to a Christian counselor (something I don't intend to do). Though she has never done any research into the subject, she says she wholeheartedly doesn't believe I am actually transgender.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Feel free to ask questions if you think you could give better advice depending on my answer. I'm throwing everything out there honestly to hopefully get some great info.