Transitioning in rural small town.

[Megan G]

I was wondering if anyone here has transitioned in a small town/ rural area and what the reactions were.

I am not far along my journey as most of you (month of hrt) and have been thinking a lot about how and when I am going to come out to the public so I can begin my RLE. What concerns me is I live in an extremely conservative small town in southern ontario Canada. Population 500ish

I know for a fact that when I come out I will be talk of the town, my family goes back 3 generations here.

Just curious what others in a similar position experienced.

Trisha..

[thechic]

Hi there

I started to do a small transition in a small town ,then I left due to opportunities with work and my children's schooling.
Sounds like it was the right thing to do, because the feedback I got was that fact I wanted to be a woman spread like wild fire most thought it was disgusting and not normal It was the main discussion in town, I was regarded worst than a criminal.
I've found that most people and friends that i had before my transition are disgusted with me, they just cant accept me, but I have plenty of new friends and my family. I still visit the town with no issues, the fire has burnt down, that was a few years ago.
Were I am now I had doctors and specialists here for my issues, none of that in the small town

[Leah Lynn]

I'm just starting hrt, and live in a small (pop. 5,000) town. I've already started planning to move to the big city asap. There have been a couple cd's here before, and people still talk about them as if they were perverted lepers. Transitioning will be hard enough as it is, without wondering if they'll burn my house down in the middle of the night.

Hugs,
Leah

[PaulaQ]

Hi, I just moved out of a town of 3000 people. You need to find a safer place in all probability, I'm sorry to tell you. :(

[arbon]

At the time I thought I would be run out of town but it ended up not being to bad. I had support from quite a few women and there was another trans women that moved back to town right before I came out which deflected some of the attention from me.

The hardest part is that everyone knew me before and knows me now know escape being the tranny.

I know some other ts women that transitioned in small towns in Idaho and went through a lot more hell for it then I did.

[I Am Paula]

My story is a little different. I chose a small rural town to transition in. I needed to get away from all that was too familiar, and start fresh.
My town has 5000 people, mostly farmers, and five tractor dealers. We don't have a Starbucks, a Walmart, or even a movie theater. Most folks call each other by their first names, cause they've never learned their last.
My reception has been fantastic. Almost everybody knows I'm trans, they only call me my femme name, and give me all the respect and courtesy due any other woman. People stop me on the street to ask if I'm going to the Rotary Dinner, or the Lions BBQ.
I was approached by a woman from one of the churches (don't know which one), who sheepishly (I think she drew the short straw) mentioned that I would be welcome in their congregation.

Things that I had going in my favor-
Other than one gas station, nobody has seen me presenting male. To see me both ways might be confusing, and they might then think it was a fetish, or worse.
I make no fuss one way or the other about transition. If they ask, I tell them. They rarely ask.
I dress, act, and socialize just like one of them. No big city airs, or over the top outfits. I'm a jeans and sneakers gal, who can clean up pretty when she needs to.
I'm married to a GG, so the 'is he gay?' question answers itself.
I retired at 53, so most people have a little more trust for somebody who has a few sheckles in the bank.
I've always been friendly and out going. Not being afraid to speak up adds to peoples trust.

I certainly can't speak for every small town, or any other than mine for that matter. There must be some scary places to present 'different'. All I can speak of is the kindness and acceptance I have been shown here. Good luck.

[Megan G]

Thanks for the replies,

I guess it will be a wait and see adventure as I have no plans of ever moving to the big city. Born and raised country and intend on staying that way.

So far I have come out to one friend (gg) and all is well but I am positive not all of them will feel this way..

Trisha

[vikki2020]

Although I live in a large city, the neighborhood is very "small", and most everyone knows you. Particularly on the block I live. I've been spotted a few times now, by about 6 different people on the block, and no one has mentioned anything. I was walking the dog once, and had a normal conversation with neighbor, out with their young children. I was wearing girls shorts,and top, and flats. No reaction at all. I'm pretty sure they may be chatting about me, but, doesn't seem to be that big a deal to any of them. So, like you,Trisha, I guess I'll just wait and see also!

[arbon]

We have thought if moving to a city, even were starting to plan a couple times. Also had quite a few people really encourage us to leave earlier in my transition they did not think I could make it or be safe here. But I don't want to live in a city, nice to visit but no thanks. As far as safety I think me and my family are safer here then anywhere else because everyone pretty much knows us. Job prospects not so good though

[Sejd]

Hi Trisha
I feel your anxiety. It ia not an easy thing to come out in a small town. I hope you will do it in a manne that you are safe. If you ever need a friend to talk to I will be there for you.
Kind regards
Sejd

[joanne2b]

Hi Trisha
Have just read your story to date, it was also mine but go back another 20 yrs..If we had today's technical know how in the 60's there is no doubt that I would have completed my transition to womanhood a long time ago but nearly there now. I shall be following your progress with great anticipation, better than reading a book..Enjoy the estrogen and the painfull breasts that go with it...

joanne helen:battingeyelashes: