Well, the egg “cracked” I guess. After 24 years, I’ve realized that I’m probably NB or trans. Looking back, I think that for a long while now, there’s been something in the back of my mind. Like a seed of doubt. I can think of any number of things that could’ve contributed to it. And it’s weird to me because I haven’t really felt any dysphoria, at least I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. But I know that there’s something off.

But anyway, over last weekend I was thinking about it a lot and after I came to that conclusion it was like this buzzing in my head that I hadn’t realized was there went quiet. And now that I know that… I have no fucking clue what happens next. The only people that know are close friends and I will absolutely not be letting anyone else who knows me know. HRT may be a very long ways (potentially 2 years, haven’t looked into it too much yet) away depending on a pending federal job.

  • compostgoblin@slrpnk.netEnglish
    7·
    13 days ago

    Welcome to the sisterhood! :)

    I am in a similar place to you (trans fem NB, mid 20s, in the US, egg recently cracked), and I can share what I’ve found helpful so far.

    First thing you should do is take a deep breath. Transitioning is a marathon, not a sprint. And you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to!

    If HRT isn’t an option right away, there is a lot you can do with clothes and makeup, like trying out skirts, painting your nails, getting your ears pierced, and growing your hair out. Voice training is also something you can do, and I know a lot of people say that the sooner you start, the better, even if it’s just a few minutes of practice a day.

    I second reading Whipping Girl, with the caveat that some of the language is outdated. Another book that I liked even more was Yes, You Are Trans Enough by Mia Violet. It’s a really good read!

    EDIT: Also, I should have mentioned - if you don’t have one already, getting booked with a gender-affirming therapist is a good idea too

    • commoncrow@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      3·
      12 days ago

      Thanks! lots of reading I’ll have to do. As for a therapist, is that really something that’s absolutely recommended? It’s a little expensive and I haven’t really felt the need for one, even before all this. I’ve kinda just been existing, no real problems that I can think of, mentally or otherwise.

      • compostgoblin@slrpnk.netEnglish
        1·
        12 days ago

        No problem! And not necessarily, but it’s worth thinking about. Even if you don’t have mental health problems to discuss with them, a therapist can help you get referrals and or write letters for other doctors you might want see

    • OldEggNewTricks@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      2·
      12 days ago

      Yes! Things that take a long time (roughly in descending order) are:

      1. Growing your hair out (although wigs and extensions can help in the meantime)
      2. Hair removal (laser; electrolysis takes more time)
      3. Voice training (it really is training: the techniques are pretty easy to get the hang of; you just need to keep working at it to make it second nature)
      4. Getting enough time on hormones to start reading as feminine