Brookes/Brianna,
I'm not sure if it's still the case but in the UK especially if you go the NHS route they expected one to two years of presenting as a woman before they considered the next step .
It wasn't said in the context of being trans or not but I felt in SouternGirl's situation with the wife that being the motivation she may need to become comfortable with presenting female before considering any further steps .
Brianna,
The only way I've managed to build my identity is being out in the RW , I didn't know what worked and what didn't , it's a matter of experiencing it , it's important we are socially accepted , they really aren't bothered if I'm trans or not . I just accept I am and don't make a big issue of it , it's part of my life but it's not going to dominate it .
Brookes,
Surely the bottom line is finding a balance to give you a life that works for you . OK I may have to put up with certain things that may get resolved with hormones , I'm also aware of the side effects and problems hormones could induce . This is why I'm totally happy to accept my situation because I don't feel my life would change that much on a daily basis .
Some people can't afford to take the hormones route , does that make them less trans ? Does it stop them going out in the RW presenting comfortably as a woman ? I hope not .
