PDA

View Full Version : Hello Everyone....It's Time To Be Me



jeri1973
08-20-2025, 10:21 AM
🌸 Hi everyone, I?m Jeri! 🌸

I?m a 52-year-old transgender woman who is finally giving herself permission to live authentically. After years of carrying this quietly, I?ve set a clear transition timeline, and I?ll begin my Real-Life Experience on January 1, 2026. I know it won?t always be easy, but every step forward feels like freedom.

For me, self-expression is a huge part of this journey. I love wearing skirts, ladies? shorts, jeans, leggings, and dresses ? and I?ve discovered how much joy comes from adding little feminine touches. I keep my toes polished (changing up colors every couple of weeks), and I almost always wear sandals, stacked anklets, or toe rings when I can. Painting my fingernails has become another way I claim my identity, and I?m starting to make it a regular part of my look. Earrings are another favorite ? I?m thinking about adding a second set of piercings soon so I can mix in more dainty styles.

I also enjoy playing with makeup ? sometimes just subtle touches for an everyday or church-safe look, and other times more polished, glowy styles. I?ve started building a small collection of makeup and learning how to rotate between natural, polished, and bold looks depending on where I?m going. Finding the right wig is my next big step ? my natural hair was auburn, and I?m drawn to both auburn tones and sleek black-brown styles. I?ll likely debut a wig this fall, maybe starting with Halloween at the office, and I can?t wait to see how that helps me step more fully into myself.

Another important part of my journey is preparing to begin HRT again. This will be my third (or maybe even fourth) attempt. In the past, life circumstances, fear, and the weight of responsibility pulled me back ? but this time feels different. I?m no longer trying to convince myself to wait or to hide. Instead, I feel a deep peace about finally stepping forward. For me, HRT isn?t just about physical changes; it?s about healing, alignment, and finally letting my body reflect the woman I have always been inside.

Beyond style, my faith is at the heart of who I am. I?m a pastor, and while church hasn?t always been the easiest place to be authentic, I believe deeply that God created me this way and that living as my true self is a holy journey. I?ve been finding support in affirming online communities, and it?s made a world of difference to know I?m not walking this path alone.

On the personal side, my marriage is complicated ? more like roommates at this point ? but I?m determined to keep moving forward with courage, grace, and authenticity. Each time I step out in public as myself, whether it?s running errands in shorts and a feminine top or showing off my pedicure in sandals, I feel more at home in my skin. The nervousness I once felt is slowly giving way to confidence and joy.

I?m here because I?d love to connect with others who understand this path ? to swap style tips, share encouragement, and celebrate the little milestones along the way. Thank you for letting me be part of this community. 💜

? Jeri

Joanie CD
08-20-2025, 10:28 AM
Jeri, thank you for sharing your story. I know it was really hard to get to this point. It sounds like you have finally got on the "correct" path, and I really respect that you are doing it while staying true to your faith. I know the marriage end will be challenging, but there is not one "correct" way to be married. My wife of 44 years and I have separated, and plan to divorce, but we are staying "best buddies" and will likely travel together even though we are now living separately. There is no wrong way to be married, and there is no wrong way to be you, other than maybe repressing what's important. Again, so proud of you for making this step, setting goals, and starting your journey for real.

jeri1973
08-20-2025, 11:09 AM
Thank you!

My marriage and children have been the things that have kept me from moving forward all the other times. Now both of the children are grown, married, and have lives of their own. Still not completely sure my marriage will survive. She is a lot more receptive now than she used to be, but I'm pretty sure she's not going to be 100% in when I go full-time. She knows and has known for years my desire to go full-time and even have SRS. Only time will tell. I just hope that we can be like you and your wife, remain friends.

CarlaWestin
08-20-2025, 05:07 PM
Joanie, with all due respect, I understand your comment about no wrong way to be married applies to caring and wholesome relationships but I've personally witnessed and experienced devastating marriage situations.
My crossdressing desires simply don't dovetail into my marriage so DADT prevails. The day that I felt it would all be OK because I bought her flowers and told her was a CD the most selfish day of my life.

Joanie CD
08-21-2025, 09:53 AM
Carla, I should have acknowledged that not ALL ways to be married are good. I was thinking more that there are many ways to have a good relationship that do not fit into the "normally married" category. Also, I forgot to mention that, despite what people on this forum have said, our separation was not related to my crossdressing. More than once, my soon-to-be-ex has said that it was actually good for our relationship, and we've had a lot of fun outings with me in Joanie mode, and continue to do so, even after she has moved out.

JenninSC
08-21-2025, 12:12 PM
As a fellow believer, I'll keep you in my prayers for not only your church family but your marriage and biological family. It's a big change for everyone who knows and loves you. I will pray for peace

Mercedes
08-22-2025, 06:22 PM
Wishing you a happy and safe journey to be who you are meant to be. That's all we can ever hope to be.

XOXOXO

Petals
08-26-2025, 12:47 PM
I understand completely where you are coming from, it was very hard for me at first, I would just hide away in my flat all dressed up and just wanted to go out and show the world that this woman exists, but I ventured out 1 day in heels, short denim skirt with grey tights and light pink turtle neck top, and now I never look back! Tomorrow I go to nail salon and have my nails done😍 a gift to myself. My ex wife said she supported me but when she cheated on me and then divorced me she said that my dressing is what caused the problem. Now I?m free to be petals.