so i'm seriously considering to transition

[Antoinette]

I've given It much thought and I believe that I may feel much happier doing so. It's most definitely not an easy process and I'm sure it can be quite costly. I tried to do my research online to figure out the steps needed to go about this. But I figure it best to hear from those who have gone through it or are in the process right now. Is there a specific health care provider that may make things a bit easier? I'm 25yrs old and I feel the sooner (before 30 atleast) the better. How should I prepare?

[Nocturnal Kaylee]

Well blue cross blue shield had amazing coverage for trans folk. They used to even help out with SRS although I don't believe they do. First step is getting a therapist so you can get on hormones (this is assuming you're not going the self meddling route which can be very dangerous).

[Jorja]

First of all know if you want “paradise” you are going to pay a price to get it. Transition is not by any stretch of the imagination an easy road to travel. There are many pitfalls along the way and you need to become strong enough to deal with them. Self acceptance is the first step. If you are not emotionally grounded from the onset, you are going to have a difficult transition. Transition is a minor issue in comparison to self acceptance.

Are you prepared to lose everyone, family, friends, wife, kids, aunts, uncles, cousins, even the mail man? Everyone from your life as it exist today, gone? This may not happen but you need to be prepared because many of us have had that happen, we lost everyone. How do you think your family will feel about you transitioning? Are you prepared to lose your job? Are you going to transition on the job?

These are just a few of the questions and problems you may face. Here is the link to tsroadmap read through the site from the start. There is a lot of good information there. http://www.tsroadmap.com/index.html

Most of all, do not ever think you are alone in this. You have an entire web forum full of girls either in transition or have completed the process that understand and can help you. Use us when you need us.

[Antoinette]

It is a very scary thought to lose so much . It almost sounds like a selfish choice. I guess i really wouldn't know how ready i am until i try. First i'll look into seeing a therapist and should i have any questions before i see anyone ( and i know i will) i'll definitely ask around the site.

[secretgurly]

I think Jorja is spot on. I know I'm not 'brave' enough to put my love ones through it, but I admire and support anyone who is.

I wish the clock could be turned back for me. Maybe in the next life I will be happier in my skin?

Whatever you decide good luck. X

[SamanthaC]

It almost sounds like a selfish choice. I guess i really wouldn't know how ready i am until i try.

I don't think there's any doubt about it... That's what I've come to think too.

[Danika140]

It almost sounds like a selfish choice.

What's selfish about the need to take care of your own happiness? Jorja is right about it being difficult and the possibility of losing people is definitely there. However, at the end of the day, it is you who is responsible for your own happiness. Personally, I was dealt a shitty hand growing up so it may be a lot easier for me to cut ties with people than you but in my honest opinion, those who would rather forsake a relationship may not be worth the time of feeling selfish. There are extenuating circumstances such as spouses and kids, but it is equally selfish for them to refuse you for something you can't control.

Personally, I feel you gotta do whatever it is that makes you the most happy. Those that understand will always be there to support, and those that don't will walk away to allow someone else to take their place of those who will.

[Saffron]

In the end you're not losing too much, simply you're getting to know who really cares about you. So it can be hurtful, but at least it's for the best.

I prefer to have only one good friend than 100 false friends... new good people will replace them :)