A
male
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:ive known that my gender and my sex didnt match since i was a toddler and now ive come to realize that i could be ftm (female to male transgender).i want to start transitioning asap but i dont know where to start.how do i come out to my family,how do i start therapy,how will they know if im trans,when will i get hormones if i am really trans,ect.plz help. Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (12 May 2011): You go to the doctor and explain how you feel then they send you to a psychiatrist to make sure you really want it and also to provide some moral support, when they're sure you're ready they'll give you testosterone pills etc and then eventually talk about breast removal
A
male
reader, Nithyanala  +, writes (12 May 2011):
 It's a long process and you should only do it under medical advice. Seek out the LGBT community in your area if any, someone who has gone through the process is best equipped to advise you on it.
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A
female
reader, natmarie  +, writes (12 May 2011):
 Initially you need to go to your GP. He wil then refer you to a psychologist for sessions. The whole thing works in stages. It is a huge decision to make , and before any surgey is carried out,the medical team, and other professionals in this area have to be convinced that you are 100% ready and it is right for you , as there is no turning back after this. From what I know I think the whole process can take up 5 years before the swap is complete.eg:Hormone tablet courses,breast removal, vaginal extension etc. There are a number of major medical operations, plus constant counselling. It is a huge undertaking. Read up as much as you can on the internet . This link might give you more of an insight. -
http://www.lauras-playground.com/ftm_articles.htm
Also, join online discussion groups and forums and outside groups too if you can. I wish you luck and happiness. :o)
Natalie xx
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reader, anonymous, writes (12 May 2011): Hi there
It sounds to me like you have gender identity disorder or gender dysphoria. Its the term given to people who feel that they belong to the wrong gender.
First of all you are so young, but its not unheard of for people to say that they are unhappy with their gender from as young as 11 !! More research has been done and more help is avaliable for people in your situation.
I think if you are serious about begining the process of changing your gender you need to visit your gp, who may then refer you to a psychologist for an assessment. However this might not happen until you are 18. They will look at your behaviour i.e cross dressing and they will need a full history of your childhood.
Also before you would be considered for any kind of treatment that would change your gender, you must first live full time as the opposite sex for a minimum of two years (depending on US law as i live in the UK) This would mean that you would have to wear mens clothes full time and you would need to practise shaving in a mirror even if you have no facial hair at the moment.
If after two years of living full time as a man, you still felt the same and wanted to transition, you could start hormone replacement. This would mean you would grow facial hair and your voice would deepen. Your breasts may also shrink. It is only after this therapy and deep psychological evaluation that you can make the full transition by having surgery.
Also remember that people who are transgender are not "weird" or "freaks". Nobody has the right to judge you or make you feel down. It will come as a shock to your family and friends but if they love you they will support you but you must give them time to adjust to your decision.
I hope this advice helps as i was friends with a person who was unhappy with their gender and know how hard it can be for them.
Your doctor should help you begin the process so try to make an appointment.
Best wishes x x
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reader, anonymous, writes (12 May 2011): Firstly you should contact any local transgender support groups or your local LBGT groups and get some advice from them.
They'll be a great place to start. Check online for some transgender forums, ask people there questions and do a bit of research, read some stories of people that have that etc. You'll get an idea of where to start, what's entailed from those. They'll also have had their own experiences with telling their parents.
OP the best thing you can do is take the time and educate yourself, get as much info as you can. That way not only will you know for yourself, but when it comes to telling your parents you'll be able to give them all the info they need, plus it will show them how serious you are about this.
I'm not an expert on this, but to my knowledge what happens first is you go to your doctor and get referred to a specialist in the field, a psychologist. Who will discuss it with you. Some parents want to be sure it's not just a phase plus it's always a good idea to discuss such an issue with a professional as it is a life changing decision and it will be good to help to make sense of it all.
Most importantly though, don't panic, take your time and get informed. Know where and who you can contact for help locally. Local LBGT groups will be able to provide you support and you'll also be able to meet people who are going through the same thing.
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A
female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (12 May 2011):
 I take it you have really thought this through when you know you want to be a woman, and good for you, its not an easy descision to make at all. But you need to be really prepared for how your family are going to react. Because it will be a huge shock to them and they may say things that they will regret and be totally against your plan. Therefore I think the best place for you to start would be to make an appointment with a therapist and talk to them about your feelings. They will mentally help you prepare yourself for your familys reaction and help you along which path you want to take. Good luck and all the best in the future.
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