The goal has been set, And he wants to help.

[Myojine]

Ok so the guy i live with now, he's a very sweet and kind man, i mean he pratically rescued me from a living hell.

But i face discharge from US military service.
If so, the plan to transition will be set in motion.
All funds that can be reserved for doing so, will be.
Ill work as much as I can, but If i do get discharged, Im headed to a therapist ASAP.

The possiblity of this happening soon, is really high. And if he really is as dead set on this as I am.
Than i might just say "screw the military, as much as i love it, i want to be happy, i want to be someones wife."
To me thats more important.

But before I rush in, it's time to do research.
Therapist, What do I need to say? Who do I need to see?
Secondly
Olive skin, dark brown facial hair needs to go before I can go "Full Time"
For me what would be a better option? Electrolysis? or Laser hair removal?
Why? because no matter how much i shave, no matter how close that razer blade gets, Theres a shadow. DEAD GIVEAWAY. that and i cant shave everyday. I may be "white" in most peoples eyes. but i have african skin. and like alot of african people that i knew in the army, shaving everyday gives me bumps and it feels like im taking a steak knife to my face.

I know, Baby steps first. But stoping the damage from the male hormones and getting rid of the facial hair is the first stop for me I guess.
He told me tonight "It's my life's goal to make people happy, And youre sorta my project. And your not happy so i cant not help you."

This guy is really great, And I want to marry him after all this transitioning stuff is over.

I don't know, maybe this is love?
I want to make him happy, and to do that in my eyes...
Will make me happy to.

So square one for research, i'll be googling stuff, and looking around for trans voice tips and what not. but physical appearances are really keeping me down right now.
Time to start making a change.

[BreenaDion]

Myojine when your ready get going on laser treatment first. To do your face/beard you need 6 to 7 treatments and get most of the dark hair. Usally 1 vist a month an shave really close if u dont it smalls like burning hair. First setting is mild , second vist they turn up the power an feals like you did 15 rounds with mahommad Ali, ya no joke but doesnt last long. Do the chest also. Ok while your doing the laser have ur electrologist start working on reshaping your eyebrows an any hair in ur ears. I did this but I have tons of grey hair so im stuck with electrologist for yrs.
Meanwhile google a Gender Specialist in ur area , you can start with Laura's Playground which has national reshources for the transgendered to help with a therapist. Ask alot of questions an sure they will to , just be yourself.
Good Luck .
Breena

[Myojine]

Lol, that sounds kinda funny...
I'm not so weak when it comes to pain, i mean i used to be a cutter and after being in the military and what not, I can take pain.
That and i plan on gettng tattoos. Not just small ones either, I have a full back mural i will be getting done.
(symbols of abuse and my history, appreciation of life and music.)

[Aprilrain]

Lol, that sounds kinda funny...
I'm not so weak when it comes to pain, i mean i used to be a cutter and after being in the military and what not, I can take pain.
That and i plan on gettng tattoos. Not just small ones either, I have a full back mural i will be getting done.
(symbols of abuse and my history, appreciation of life and music.)

Laser and electrolysis hurt like a bitch, hormones will only make it worse which isn't to say one shouldn't start hormones when one is ready it's just a fact. Anyway you say you have olive skin? Laser may not work. The fact is there is no garuntee with laser. Electrolysis is garunteed and permanent but painfully time consuming.

I wonder if they can laser areas with tattoos?

[CharleneT]

The darker the hair, the better laser works, dark skin makes it less effective. Most people end up using both methods, laser to get as much as it can, and electrolysis to clean up the rest. It's the proportion of each that is a mystery till you start. Either way, keep in mind that it is going to take a long time. A complete clearing with laser, given a perfect combo of skin color and hair color, would still be a year - at least. There are cycles to hair growth, so when they zap the currently growing hairs, others are dormant and show up when they become active. Frequently the whole process will take 2-3 years. Of course, nearer the end you have much less hair and so you look "better" most of the time :) :)

As for what exactly to say to the therapist ? Whatever you want, whatever you are thinking and feeling. Be honest, it is the only way they can help you. The "who" part, a therapist who specializes in gender issues is best. But many others will be able to help you just as well. Therapy is sorta like a relationship, you both have to put in work, and it sometimes doesn't work well, even if it seems it should. Most important, more so than their specialty, is that you feel comfortable with that person and their work.

Good luck !

[Myojine]

My skin is clean so far, my skin is a clean slate, I plan on getting my tattoos as I go along.
My skin is very pale when it comes to "Olive skin" probably because I sit inside all the time.
I don't go outside unless i have to, or unless I want to run.