FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Another step forward. Transition.

Another step forward. Transition.

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

At the risk of getting boring, I thought I’d share my next step on my journey as a trans woman.

To re cap for those who don’t know my story;

I was born female. Well my brain was.

I don’t ‘identify as female’. My brain probably was subject to too much oestrogen in the womb or it could be the gene anomalies that affect the gender development of the brain as recent research seems to show.

Anyhow; I got a female brain (me; who I am) and my sex chromosomes gave me the sex organs of a bloke.

So.... I can’t change my gender and who I am so I’ve set about aligning my body instead.

I’ve had laser to burn my facial hair so it doesn’t grow now. I also had the hair burned off my genitals and from under my arms. It’s really effective so I thought ‘why not’!

(yes it hurts and it took 12 months to clear my face)

I changed my name and jumped through a lot of hoops until I managed to get onto hormones.

That stopped ‘it’ working. Made it shrink. Shrank my testosterone generators and would have rendered me infertile if I hadn’t already had that plumbing cut years ago!

It also made my hair and skin female soft. Shrank my pores. Redistributed my fat so my face became more feminine along with my body.

I grew BOOBS

yes they’re very much real people!

I jumped through more hoops to get two independent psychiatrists to write two separate reports to allow my surgeons to cut me up. You need those even if you go abroad for surgery.

In august I had confirmation surgery where they cut my thing up and rearranged the parts (which are the same as a woman’s, just laid out differently) to give me a beautiful vagina.

They threw my shrivelled generators away. We all have those btw. They start off as ovaries in us all. They move down and become testicles if you have that gene. Your vulva fuses around them to form a scrotum, hence the seam under it. Your clitoris grows to ridiculous proportions!

I also had liposuction to harvest the chub I’d gained for that purpose. They then put it into my boobs to perk them up naturally.

About that time I managed to get my gender recognition certificate and corrected birth certificate. So I’m now correctly shown as female from birth.

So..... six months on I’m well on the road to recovery so I was hoping to have phase two of the fat harvesting and redistribution but covid stopped that.

So today, I went to a day clinic for my glottoplasty. Thats vocal feminisation surgery.

I’ve survived it and, hopefully after remaining completely silent for a week and then slowly saying the occasional word, I’ll eventually have reversed puberty and raised my voice back to where it should be.

For anyone who’s worried I’ve cost them a huge amount of their taxes; I haven’t. I’ve used my own money and paid privately.

For the record; the max waiting time to see a specialist when referred in the nhs is supposed to be 18 weeks. I hadn’t even got as far as triage after waiting over 150 weeks. I would have been facing another year for a first assessment and probably two or three more years before surgery after that.

The nhs wouldn’t have paid for much of what I’ve done.

As always; ask away. You should know by now that I’m very open and happy to answer polite questions

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By *heVonMatterhornsCouple over a year ago

Lincoln

I don't have questions, I just wanted to say that even though I don't know you I'm really happy for you!

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By *rincess peachWoman over a year ago

shits creek

That is all, just

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

Rachael, you're meant to be quiet

You are one hell of a woman, going through the various procedures and I hope the outcome from today brings you that bit closer to you, to Rachael.

*Hugs*

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I don't have questions, I just wanted to say that even though I don't know you I'm really happy for you!

Thank you.

My keyboard will be my only voice for about a month now so expect to see me around even more xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

That is all, just

Oh how I love you my princess xxx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachael, you're meant to be quiet

You are one hell of a woman, going through the various procedures and I hope the outcome from today brings you that bit closer to you, to Rachael.

*Hugs*"

Thank you.

My surgeon tells me I’ve sacrificed my ability to sing, which is very sad. I love entertaining people. I’ve recorded a load of songs and bedtime stories for my adult children. I feel so guilty taking the reassuring voice they turn to and making it so different.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Rachael, you're meant to be quiet

You are one hell of a woman, going through the various procedures and I hope the outcome from today brings you that bit closer to you, to Rachael.

*Hugs*

Thank you.

You have sacrificed one aspect, but clearly that sadness sounds totally overshadowed by your ‘why’ and ‘want’, so your happiness living and being that happy person within their lives must outweigh such things a million times over. Underneath the, frankly amazing and courageous, changes, your love and self will continue, I’m sure those you love and truly love you will understand that.

Great updates as ever, fascinating and a real positive too.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Wow that was quick, thought the voice surgery was a few months away! That's a lot of operations in a short space of time. Relax and recover. Hope it doesn't hurt.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"Rachael, you're meant to be quiet

You are one hell of a woman, going through the various procedures and I hope the outcome from today brings you that bit closer to you, to Rachael.

*Hugs*

Thank you.

Great updates as ever, fascinating and a real positive too. "

^^^What he said. Rachael, I'm sure your children are very proud of you.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Wow that was quick, thought the voice surgery was a few months away! That's a lot of operations in a short space of time. Relax and recover. Hope it doesn't hurt.

Private surgery happens when you book it

I’m a person who just gets things done.

My next fat grafting (eeeeouchie) will be at the end of April or perhaps in may.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachael, you're meant to be quiet

You are one hell of a woman, going through the various procedures and I hope the outcome from today brings you that bit closer to you, to Rachael.

*Hugs*

Thank you.

Great updates as ever, fascinating and a real positive too.

^^^What he said. Rachael, I'm sure your children are very proud of you. "

I’m very proud of them too.

I have amazing independent women for daughters. Both worked hard even though my Messed up relationships made their lives less fun than I would have liked. They were successful at comprehensive school. College and university.

They’re confident women who aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in too

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Not boring at all.Its noce to hear the story behind things that people are sometimes afraid to ask.

If I could choose words to describe you it would be beautiful inspiring so what you are saying is far from boring x

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Key to happiness is being at one with self..onwards you roll....hearts n hugs

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Wow that was quick, thought the voice surgery was a few months away! That's a lot of operations in a short space of time. Relax and recover. Hope it doesn't hurt.

Private surgery happens when you book it

I’m a person who just gets things done.

My next fat grafting (eeeeouchie) will be at the end of April or perhaps in may. "

Ooooh so you need to eat lots of cakes!

I have buckets of fat you can have so you don't burst your hotpants.

I'm not correcting you at all. But you said person not woman. Does it still feel like a dream sometimes? X

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"Rachael, you're meant to be quiet

You are one hell of a woman, going through the various procedures and I hope the outcome from today brings you that bit closer to you, to Rachael.

*Hugs*

Thank you.

Great updates as ever, fascinating and a real positive too.

^^^What he said. Rachael, I'm sure your children are very proud of you.

I’m very proud of them too.

They’re confident women who aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in too

Sounds like you (and they) are winning at life

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Not boring at all.Its noce to hear the story behind things that people are sometimes afraid to ask.

If I could choose words to describe you it would be beautiful inspiring so what you are saying is far from boring x "

Thank you.

I preempt the inevitable private message (s) that will grace my inbox when I say I’m aware this may bore some. It will undoubtably trigger some outdated arguments, insisting their knowledge on the subject surpasses mine and they’ll quote disproved biological ‘facts’.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Wow that was quick, thought the voice surgery was a few months away! That's a lot of operations in a short space of time. Relax and recover. Hope it doesn't hurt.

Private surgery happens when you book it

I’m a person who just gets things done.

My next fat grafting (eeeeouchie) will be at the end of April or perhaps in may.

Ooooh so you need to eat lots of cakes!

I have buckets of fat you can have so you don't burst your hotpants.

I'm not correcting you at all. But you said person not woman. Does it still feel like a dream sometimes? X"

I don’t say person for that reason, no. But I do sometimes sit there and marvel that this is finally happening. I did today as I had a wee as I waited to be taken down for surgery.

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By *iamondCougarWoman over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

Wow! I’m in awe of you Rachel. Those are big life changing decisions and procedures. You have to be very proud of yourself to have achieved all that.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Wow! I’m in awe of you Rachel. Those are big life changing decisions and procedures. You have to be very proud of yourself to have achieved all that.

Thank you.

I’m not so much proud more wanting to share what it takes to transition this way so people can understand more.

I’ve been through a lot of pain and had to walk down the street looking like I’m in drag as my then male body and muscles didn’t suit my presentation. My beard shadow showing through the clumsily applied makeup.

People say nice things then tell me about a ‘man they saw’ dressed in women’s clothing...... I had to go through that stage too.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

It is fascinating! I wish you well.. How exciting for you waiting to hear what the new you will sound like!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

One of my former band mates went through the same journey as yourself.

I am so happy for you.

Good luck and God bless xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"It is fascinating! I wish you well.. How exciting for you waiting to hear what the new you will sound like! "

It is and I’m woman who talks an awful lot!

When I begin to speak I’ll need speech therapy again and to do lots of vocal exercises.

It’ll be about twelve months before I get my final sound. It’ll get progressively higher and more feminine.

I will try to retrain my voice to sing again too. It’s as massive part of me so I must try.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"One of my former band mates went through the same journey as yourself.

I am so happy for you.

Good luck and God bless xx"

Did she (I assume she’s female too?) did she managed to sing?

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By *attooCTMan over a year ago

Glasgow /Swansea

"At the risk of getting boring, I thought I’d share my next step on my journey as a trans woman.

To re cap for those who don’t know my story;

I was born female. Well my brain was.

Anyhow; I got a female brain (me; who I am) and my sex chromosomes gave me the sex organs of a bloke.

So.... I can’t change my gender and who I am so I’ve set about aligning my body instead.

I’ve had laser to burn my facial hair so it doesn’t grow now. I also had the hair burned off my genitals and from under my arms. It’s really effective so I thought ‘why not’!

(yes it hurts and it took 12 months to clear my face)

I changed my name and jumped through a lot of hoops until I managed to get onto hormones.

That stopped ‘it’ working. Made it shrink. Shrank my testosterone generators and would have rendered me infertile if I hadn’t already had that plumbing cut years ago!

It also made my hair and skin female soft. Shrank my pores. Redistributed my fat so my face became more feminine along with my body.

I grew BOOBS

yes they’re very much real people!

I jumped through more hoops to get two independent psychiatrists to write two separate reports to allow my surgeons to cut me up. You need those even if you go abroad for surgery.

In august I had confirmation surgery where they cut my thing up and rearranged the parts (which are the same as a woman’s, just laid out differently) to give me a beautiful vagina.

I also had liposuction to harvest the chub I’d gained for that purpose. They then put it into my boobs to perk them up naturally.

About that time I managed to get my gender recognition certificate and corrected birth certificate. So I’m now correctly shown as female from birth.

So..... six months on I’m well on the road to recovery so I was hoping to have phase two of the fat harvesting and redistribution but covid stopped that.

So today, I went to a day clinic for my glottoplasty. Thats vocal feminisation surgery.

For anyone who’s worried I’ve cost them a huge amount of their taxes; I haven’t. I’ve used my own money and paid privately.

The nhs wouldn’t have paid for much of what I’ve done.

As always; ask away. You should know by now that I’m very open and happy to answer polite questions

Best of luck to you

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By *attooCTMan over a year ago

Glasgow /Swansea

Your a inspiration rachael

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By *ot - CoupleCouple over a year ago

Glasgow

An amazing journey and you knew what route to take, your almost there x

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By *atricia ParnelWoman over a year ago

In a town full of colours

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

That’s amazing, and fascinating to read.

You’re such a brave strong woman

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By *horehouseprincessWoman over a year ago

small town near Munich

No questions from me either but very happy for you. Also.. your smile is beautiful. And contagious. Happy friday!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Wonderful update

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By *harisajidanWoman over a year ago

london

I feel like some people, mainly gender critical feminist- would be offended at the notion that there’s such a thing as a “lady brain”....

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

What a lovely read

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I feel like some people, mainly gender critical feminist- would be offended at the notion that there’s such a thing as a “lady brain”.... "

Then point them in the direction of the scientists who scan brain activity and can clearly see the difference.

I’m very much a feminist. I refer to myself as a determined person who gets things done. It’s not gender specific.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman over a year ago

King's Crustacean

Rachel xxxx

Just Rachel xxx

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

So happy for u girl! Very inspirational and super strong willed , I look up to you and you gave me a lot of strength into my transition through what you told me about what u went through ! So thank you

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By *hatever works for USCouple over a year ago

Sheffield/Sunderland

Thank you for sharing

An inspirational lady

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

No questions just proud. Also your fanny is so neat!

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By *abrina59TV/TS over a year ago

submissive land

Well Done Rachel not just for going through with everything but having the courage to share your story with us all.

An inspiration to all, TVs, TS any of us girls whether we transitioning or not

Thank you xxx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"No questions just proud. Also your fanny is so neat!"

I ask that he didn’t hastily pack my suitcase

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Well Done Rachel not just for going through with everything but having the courage to share your story with us all.

An inspiration to all, TVs, TS any of us girls whether we transitioning or not

Thank you xxx"

I’m happy to chat to anyone on this path of they need support or advice.

Not everyone wants to do this. Not everyone feels they can.

I was terrified of lose my marriage. I did anyway. I’m losing my home and security and I’ve quit my business too.

I’m making the best of things and will be back on top.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Wow, what a journey you have been on.

Thank you for sharing!

It’s so interesting to find out the process that you have to go through to become the woman you always knew you were.

Good luck with this latest stage and I hope you get the dulcet tones you desire..

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"At the risk of getting boring, I thought I’d share my next step on my journey as a trans woman.

To re cap for those who don’t know my story;

I was born female. Well my brain was.

Anyhow; I got a female brain (me; who I am) and my sex chromosomes gave me the sex organs of a bloke.

So.... I can’t change my gender and who I am so I’ve set about aligning my body instead.

I’ve had laser to burn my facial hair so it doesn’t grow now. I also had the hair burned off my genitals and from under my arms. It’s really effective so I thought ‘why not’!

(yes it hurts and it took 12 months to clear my face)

I changed my name and jumped through a lot of hoops until I managed to get onto hormones.

That stopped ‘it’ working. Made it shrink. Shrank my testosterone generators and would have rendered me infertile if I hadn’t already had that plumbing cut years ago!

It also made my hair and skin female soft. Shrank my pores. Redistributed my fat so my face became more feminine along with my body.

I grew BOOBS

yes they’re very much real people!

I jumped through more hoops to get two independent psychiatrists to write two separate reports to allow my surgeons to cut me up. You need those even if you go abroad for surgery.

In august I had confirmation surgery where they cut my thing up and rearranged the parts (which are the same as a woman’s, just laid out differently) to give me a beautiful vagina.

I also had liposuction to harvest the chub I’d gained for that purpose. They then put it into my boobs to perk them up naturally.

About that time I managed to get my gender recognition certificate and corrected birth certificate. So I’m now correctly shown as female from birth.

So..... six months on I’m well on the road to recovery so I was hoping to have phase two of the fat harvesting and redistribution but covid stopped that.

So today, I went to a day clinic for my glottoplasty. Thats vocal feminisation surgery.

For anyone who’s worried I’ve cost them a huge amount of their taxes; I haven’t. I’ve used my own money and paid privately.

The nhs wouldn’t have paid for much of what I’ve done.

As always; ask away. You should know by now that I’m very open and happy to answer polite questions

That was very interesting. Well done and good luck for the future x

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Oh wow !!

What an amazing journey. Your grown into a beautiful woman.

Wising you all the best with the next chapter.

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By *inky_CarpenterMan over a year ago

Portsmouth

Watching a butterfly emerge is one of most beautiful things in the world! You keep doing you girl, and enjoy every step of your journey.

Hugs and kisses from london

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By *bsinthe_boyMan over a year ago

Luton

Congratulations! And I wouldn't mind if "my" taxpayer money had been used because this is clearly what you need to be yourself, to live a happy life.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Congratulations! And I wouldn't mind if "my" taxpayer money had been used because this is clearly what you need to be yourself, to live a happy life. "

Thank you.

Tax payer money is used on people who create their own illnesses without a thought.

Trans is not a choice. It’s who I am and it has affected me enormously through my life. I got to a point where, if I didn’t do something about it, I was unlikely to go on with life.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Congratulations! And I wouldn't mind if "my" taxpayer money had been used because this is clearly what you need to be yourself, to live a happy life. "

I agree

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

That’s great

just remember not to talk, type instead x

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"That’s great

just remember not to talk, type instead x"

It’s not easy. I’ve been good so far.

I really want to clear the gank out of my throat tho

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By *ntrigued32Couple over a year ago

Nottingham

You're such a strong Woman and I am in awe of you and your Mental strength.

Sending you lots of love and healing vibes.

Jo.Xx

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By *ad NannaWoman over a year ago

East London

I'm so happy to read this.

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By *ingeriearoundTV/TS over a year ago

Where ever the wind takes me

Inspirational

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By *ad NannaWoman over a year ago

East London

"That’s great

just remember not to talk, type instead x

It’s not easy. I’ve been good so far.

I really want to clear the gank out of my throat tho

That would drive me crazy.

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By *bsinthe_boyMan over a year ago

Luton

"Congratulations! And I wouldn't mind if "my" taxpayer money had been used because this is clearly what you need to be yourself, to live a happy life.

Thank you.

Tax payer money is used on people who create their own illnesses without a thought.

Trans is not a choice. It’s who I am and it has affected me enormously through my life. I got to a point where, if I didn’t do something about it, I was unlikely to go on with life. "

I'm so glad you're able to fully become who you are.

I've seen your posting on the forums for a while, as one of the more interesting and fun posters. It's good to know you're moving towards living the life you're meant to.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"That’s great

just remember not to talk, type instead x

It’s not easy. I’ve been good so far.

I really want to clear the gank out of my throat tho

That would drive me crazy.

It explains a lot, huh ?

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By *ad NannaWoman over a year ago

East London

"That’s great

just remember not to talk, type instead x

It’s not easy. I’ve been good so far.

I really want to clear the gank out of my throat tho

That would drive me crazy.

It explains a lot, huh ?

I hope I get to hear your new voice. You had a pleasant tone to your voice anyway

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Congratulations! And I wouldn't mind if "my" taxpayer money had been used because this is clearly what you need to be yourself, to live a happy life.

Thank you.

Tax payer money is used on people who create their own illnesses without a thought.

Trans is not a choice. It’s who I am and it has affected me enormously through my life. I got to a point where, if I didn’t do something about it, I was unlikely to go on with life.

I'm so glad you're able to fully become who you are.

I've seen your posting on the forums for a while, as one of the more interesting and fun posters. It's good to know you're moving towards living the life you're meant to."

I’ve been around for about nine years.

I learned pretty early on not to take things to heart of be too serious.

There’s a few who don’t like me here but I can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. I’ve blocked those who feel the need to send me negativity.

I used to have a laugh spinning into threads that were getting heavy.

Used to like the threads about going out without knickers on: pointed out short skirts without knickers risked my balls hanging below the hemline

That’s not a problem now!

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By *rivateparts!Man over a year ago

Walking down the only road I've ever known!

You go girl, feels like those that know you also know the journey you've taken was a big decision and even though we aren't friends, I'm proud to be there for you in whatever little part I played.

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By *bsinthe_boyMan over a year ago

Luton

That’s not a problem now!

. "

Lol Indeed not.

You look so very happy in your latest photos.

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By *uvhandle20Man over a year ago

SE London

Congratulations, that is great news and I wish you all the best in the future.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

THIS. IS. AMAZING!

By far the best thing I have read on here in a very long time and I take my hat off to you my dear because you are one pretty awesome lady.

I really hope you get to sing again. As someone who loves to sing too it would be a crushing blow for me too but I would 100% have sacrificed it to become the person I was always meant to be.

Rest well

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"You go girl, feels like those that know you also know the journey you've taken was a big decision and even though we aren't friends, I'm proud to be there for you in whatever little part I played."

Thank you.

We chat now and then. I like that xxx

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Rachael, you are such a lovely person inside and out. Having met you a couple of times I never had the chance to really get to know you but, I have followed you on here and totally admire and respect what you have been through. It must have been so scary. Please know that you are loved by many here. Here's hoping life will become a little easier for you and you can finally be fully happy and content. Sending lots of hugs xx

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I applaud you,to be born as something you know you are not,and to face the world with all its prejudices and ignorance,you truly deserve respect

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By *irty PrettyWoman over a year ago

Cardiff

I love reading your updates, even if I rarely say anything (I’m never sure what to say that won’t sound trite coming from a total stranger). But even though I only know you from your posts here, I feel a huge amount of happiness for you that you’re finally getting to where you should be. I hope your recovery from this latest surgery is smooth and quick.

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By *xhib12Man over a year ago

Blyth

What a fabulous story, so nice to hear such positivity in these trying times. X

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By *exas46Man over a year ago

South East

Lovely story Rachel just whats needed of late xxxxxx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachael, you are such a lovely person inside and out. Having met you a couple of times I never had the chance to really get to know you but, I have followed you on here and totally admire and respect what you have been through. It must have been so scary. Please know that you are loved by many here. Here's hoping life will become a little easier for you and you can finally be fully happy and content. Sending lots of hugs xx"

Thanks Dana. I hope I’ll be allowed to come to the next MLS and catch up with everyone. Xx

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

This is really interesting. I had no idea what it all involved.

Thank you for sharing and I hope your a far happier person for it. All the best

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *lixerMan over a year ago

Glasgow

Well done, indeed. Quite a story. All good thoughts to ya.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *luebellRacerCouple over a year ago

Shropshire

This thread has restored some of my faith in humanity.

So well written too.

I'm in awe of you Rachael!

What a woman!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ewzoe61Woman over a year ago

bishop Auckland

Wow well done I am so happy for you

We only have one chance at life I hope you have a happy one x

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *viatrixWoman over a year ago

Redhill

Reading about your journey is fascinating, Rachel. Thank you for sharing x

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *viatrixWoman over a year ago

Redhill

Rachael, sorry ...

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Brilliant.

I'm chuffed to bits for you.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *harisajidanWoman over a year ago

london

"I feel like some people, mainly gender critical feminist- would be offended at the notion that there’s such a thing as a “lady brain”....

Then point them in the direction of the scientists who scan brain activity and can clearly see the difference.

I’m very much a feminist. I refer to myself as a determined person who gets things done. It’s not gender specific. "

I’m pretty sure they are basing it off exactly that— scientific research, or rather lack of anything conclusive on the matter. I’ve looked into it too— and they can’t say definitively that is the case. Too many studies indicating that the brain is not a sexed organ.

ANYWAY— congratulations on your transition.

My point was to only say a good number of people believe the “sexed brain” assertion is offensive only because that argument was used for hundreds of years specifically to oppress women and limit their ambitions.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *elvet RopeMan over a year ago

by the big field

Do you have surgery to be crap at parallel parking, or did that come as part of your natural famine side?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Do you have surgery to be crap at parallel parking, or did that come as part of your natural famine side?

I’m a good cook, so rarely famished.

And I drive a long wheelbase van that I can get into spaces cars give up on.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ick_and_BickerCouple over a year ago

Nottingham

"At the risk of getting boring, I thought I’d share my next step on my journey as a trans woman.

To re cap for those who don’t know my story;

I was born female. Well my brain was.

Anyhow; I got a female brain (me; who I am) and my sex chromosomes gave me the sex organs of a bloke.

So.... I can’t change my gender and who I am so I’ve set about aligning my body instead.

I’ve had laser to burn my facial hair so it doesn’t grow now. I also had the hair burned off my genitals and from under my arms. It’s really effective so I thought ‘why not’!

(yes it hurts and it took 12 months to clear my face)

I changed my name and jumped through a lot of hoops until I managed to get onto hormones.

That stopped ‘it’ working. Made it shrink. Shrank my testosterone generators and would have rendered me infertile if I hadn’t already had that plumbing cut years ago!

It also made my hair and skin female soft. Shrank my pores. Redistributed my fat so my face became more feminine along with my body.

I grew BOOBS

yes they’re very much real people!

I jumped through more hoops to get two independent psychiatrists to write two separate reports to allow my surgeons to cut me up. You need those even if you go abroad for surgery.

In august I had confirmation surgery where they cut my thing up and rearranged the parts (which are the same as a woman’s, just laid out differently) to give me a beautiful vagina.

I also had liposuction to harvest the chub I’d gained for that purpose. They then put it into my boobs to perk them up naturally.

About that time I managed to get my gender recognition certificate and corrected birth certificate. So I’m now correctly shown as female from birth.

So..... six months on I’m well on the road to recovery so I was hoping to have phase two of the fat harvesting and redistribution but covid stopped that.

So today, I went to a day clinic for my glottoplasty. Thats vocal feminisation surgery.

For anyone who’s worried I’ve cost them a huge amount of their taxes; I haven’t. I’ve used my own money and paid privately.

The nhs wouldn’t have paid for much of what I’ve done.

As always; ask away. You should know by now that I’m very open and happy to answer polite questions

Where's that heart emoji.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *elethWoman over a year ago

Gloucestershire

Rachael your posts are fascinating, thank you for continuing to share your journey. Perhaps you'll record us some videos of you speaking, either with the finished voice or with progression too, if you're comfortable with the idea? I'm a great fan of voices and I think it'd be so interesting.

You are indeed inspiring, I can't wait to hear the next instalment! Loads of love

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"At the risk of getting boring, I thought I’d share my next step on my journey as a trans woman.

To re cap for those who don’t know my story;

I was born female. Well my brain was.

Anyhow; I got a female brain (me; who I am) and my sex chromosomes gave me the sex organs of a bloke.

So.... I can’t change my gender and who I am so I’ve set about aligning my body instead.

I’ve had laser to burn my facial hair so it doesn’t grow now. I also had the hair burned off my genitals and from under my arms. It’s really effective so I thought ‘why not’!

(yes it hurts and it took 12 months to clear my face)

I changed my name and jumped through a lot of hoops until I managed to get onto hormones.

That stopped ‘it’ working. Made it shrink. Shrank my testosterone generators and would have rendered me infertile if I hadn’t already had that plumbing cut years ago!

It also made my hair and skin female soft. Shrank my pores. Redistributed my fat so my face became more feminine along with my body.

I grew BOOBS

yes they’re very much real people!

I jumped through more hoops to get two independent psychiatrists to write two separate reports to allow my surgeons to cut me up. You need those even if you go abroad for surgery.

In august I had confirmation surgery where they cut my thing up and rearranged the parts (which are the same as a woman’s, just laid out differently) to give me a beautiful vagina.

I also had liposuction to harvest the chub I’d gained for that purpose. They then put it into my boobs to perk them up naturally.

About that time I managed to get my gender recognition certificate and corrected birth certificate. So I’m now correctly shown as female from birth.

So..... six months on I’m well on the road to recovery so I was hoping to have phase two of the fat harvesting and redistribution but covid stopped that.

So today, I went to a day clinic for my glottoplasty. Thats vocal feminisation surgery.

For anyone who’s worried I’ve cost them a huge amount of their taxes; I haven’t. I’ve used my own money and paid privately.

The nhs wouldn’t have paid for much of what I’ve done.

As always; ask away. You should know by now that I’m very open and happy to answer polite questions

Hi just want to say congratulations! and you have educated me to a world I know nothing of.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Rachel, love hearing about your journey and have a question. What kind of questions did the psychiatrists ask you?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachael your posts are fascinating, thank you for continuing to share your journey. Perhaps you'll record us some videos of you speaking, either with the finished voice or with progression too, if you're comfortable with the idea? I'm a great fan of voices and I think it'd be so interesting.

You are indeed inspiring, I can't wait to hear the next instalment! Loads of love

I’ve recorded stories for my children in my old voice. As in before I trained it. They’re grown up but I thought it’d be Nice.

I’ve sung a load of songs too including one for a trans Facebook group where I changed the words of stand by your man to suit.

That song will be broadcast on trans radio sometime soon.

I may well do a video for my profile when I’m able.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *bsinthe_boyMan over a year ago

Luton

This cis-male is heartened to see you blossom.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachel, love hearing about your journey and have a question. What kind of questions did the psychiatrists ask you?

They want your life story. A folder of evidence showing you’ve lived as you for two years.

You will have had a lot of these conversations before so they’re cross checking your answers too to make sure your consistent.

It’s hard to fake your passion and need. I broke down twice.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachel, love hearing about your journey and have a question. What kind of questions did the psychiatrists ask you?

They want your life story. A folder of evidence showing you’ve lived as you for two years.

You will have had a lot of these conversations before so they’re cross checking your answers too to make sure your consistent.

It’s hard to fake your passion and need. I broke down twice. "

Oh you also need evidence that your hormone levels are right. Testosterone reduced to practically zero. They want to know what you’ve done to feminise yourself and the effects of the hormones.

To know you have come out at work too.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *undayTarkaMan over a year ago

South west

"At the risk of getting boring, I thought I’d share my next step on my journey as a trans woman.

To re cap for those who don’t know my story;

I was born female. Well my brain was.

Anyhow; I got a female brain (me; who I am) and my sex chromosomes gave me the sex organs of a bloke.

So.... I can’t change my gender and who I am so I’ve set about aligning my body instead.

I’ve had laser to burn my facial hair so it doesn’t grow now. I also had the hair burned off my genitals and from under my arms. It’s really effective so I thought ‘why not’!

(yes it hurts and it took 12 months to clear my face)

I changed my name and jumped through a lot of hoops until I managed to get onto hormones.

That stopped ‘it’ working. Made it shrink. Shrank my testosterone generators and would have rendered me infertile if I hadn’t already had that plumbing cut years ago!

It also made my hair and skin female soft. Shrank my pores. Redistributed my fat so my face became more feminine along with my body.

I grew BOOBS

yes they’re very much real people!

I jumped through more hoops to get two independent psychiatrists to write two separate reports to allow my surgeons to cut me up. You need those even if you go abroad for surgery.

In august I had confirmation surgery where they cut my thing up and rearranged the parts (which are the same as a woman’s, just laid out differently) to give me a beautiful vagina.

I also had liposuction to harvest the chub I’d gained for that purpose. They then put it into my boobs to perk them up naturally.

About that time I managed to get my gender recognition certificate and corrected birth certificate. So I’m now correctly shown as female from birth.

So..... six months on I’m well on the road to recovery so I was hoping to have phase two of the fat harvesting and redistribution but covid stopped that.

So today, I went to a day clinic for my glottoplasty. Thats vocal feminisation surgery.

For anyone who’s worried I’ve cost them a huge amount of their taxes; I haven’t. I’ve used my own money and paid privately.

The nhs wouldn’t have paid for much of what I’ve done.

As always; ask away. You should know by now that I’m very open and happy to answer polite questions

"
Id definitely bum you Rachael!!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *he Mac LassWoman over a year ago

Hefty Hideaway

How are you getting on with being quiet?

I’m so very proud of you my lovely lady. You have been brave in having all that surgery and of course you know you look bloody fantastic.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Rachael I love reading your updates and am so happy for you. It was also lovely to meet you last December x

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Really pleased for you, brilliant news..

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"How are you getting on with being quiet?

I’m so very proud of you my lovely lady. You have been brave in having all that surgery and of course you know you look bloody fantastic.

I’m using an app to do my talking and a little white board.

My throat is full of goo though and I can’t cough properly. That feels like I’m drowning.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachael I love reading your updates and am so happy for you. It was also lovely to meet you last December x"

I want an invite to the next social. I saw something about one but it got ended.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I so want you to do some sort of Ted talk or something... It would be so inspirational for others considering a similar path and even better - educational for the rest of the population

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I so want you to do some sort of Ted talk or something... It would be so inspirational for others considering a similar path and even better - educational for the rest of the population

I’m considering a book.

I’ve heard about Ted talks. Never watched one tho.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Rachael I love reading your updates and am so happy for you. It was also lovely to meet you last December x

I want an invite to the next social. I saw something about one but it got ended. "

Were you not on the list for august? I believe those of us who were on that list are still on it for December x

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

You're some woman for one woman!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachael I love reading your updates and am so happy for you. It was also lovely to meet you last December x

I want an invite to the next social. I saw something about one but it got ended.

Were you not on the list for august? I believe those of us who were on that list are still on it for December x"

Nope. I missed seeing it.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ools and the brainCouple over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

This is incredibly interesting and informative.

Thank you

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Rachael I love reading your updates and am so happy for you. It was also lovely to meet you last December x

I want an invite to the next social. I saw something about one but it got ended.

Were you not on the list for august? I believe those of us who were on that list are still on it for December x

Nope. I missed seeing it. "

Oh no!!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"This is incredibly interesting and informative.

Thank you

You’re welcome

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *lex46TV/TS over a year ago

Near Wells

This is a wonderful, very well done and congratulations. I've often looked at you and been in awe of you. Best wishes for the future.

I'm still the guy in a dress with the five o clock shadow.

Alex xx

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I so want you to do some sort of Ted talk or something... It would be so inspirational for others considering a similar path and even better - educational for the rest of the population

I’m considering a book.

I’ve heard about Ted talks. Never watched one tho. "

They can be great platforms... So accessible

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ady LickWoman over a year ago

Northampton Somewhere

I've always loved reading about your journey Rachael, I'm so pleased for you.

Are you friends with your (ex?) wife? I'm sure I remember the time when things were difficult between you.

Hope you don't mind that question.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I've always loved reading about your journey Rachael, I'm so pleased for you.

Are you friends with your (ex?) wife? I'm sure I remember the time when things were difficult between you.

Hope you don't mind that question. "

She got a boyfriend and suddenly didn’t need me to look after the dogs or do her washing any more.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"This is a wonderful, very well done and congratulations. I've often looked at you and been in awe of you. Best wishes for the future.

I'm still the guy in a dress with the five o clock shadow.

Alex xx "

You’re in control of where that dress takes you. I didn’t think this was possible only a few short years ago. Xx

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ady LickWoman over a year ago

Northampton Somewhere

"I've always loved reading about your journey Rachael, I'm so pleased for you.

Are you friends with your (ex?) wife? I'm sure I remember the time when things were difficult between you.

Hope you don't mind that question.

She got a boyfriend and suddenly didn’t need me to look after the dogs or do her washing any more. "

Good for both of you then!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I've always loved reading about your journey Rachael, I'm so pleased for you.

Are you friends with your (ex?) wife? I'm sure I remember the time when things were difficult between you.

Hope you don't mind that question.

She got a boyfriend and suddenly didn’t need me to look after the dogs or do her washing any more.

Good for both of you then!

I miss my friend tbh

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *exyEggsCouple over a year ago

North East Scotland, mostly

Rachael, this blows my mind. You are incredibly strong. Thank you sharing

Mrs kf x

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *he Mac LassWoman over a year ago

Hefty Hideaway

"How are you getting on with being quiet?

I’m so very proud of you my lovely lady. You have been brave in having all that surgery and of course you know you look bloody fantastic.

I’m using an app to do my talking and a little white board.

My throat is full of goo though and I can’t cough properly. That feels like I’m drowning.

Oh no! I hope you have managed to have as comfortable a night as you can xx

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Rachel, love hearing about your journey and have a question. What kind of questions did the psychiatrists ask you?

They want your life story. A folder of evidence showing you’ve lived as you for two years.

You will have had a lot of these conversations before so they’re cross checking your answers too to make sure your consistent.

It’s hard to fake your passion and need. I broke down twice. "

Well I hope they were supportive, thanks for answering

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachel, love hearing about your journey and have a question. What kind of questions did the psychiatrists ask you?

They want your life story. A folder of evidence showing you’ve lived as you for two years.

You will have had a lot of these conversations before so they’re cross checking your answers too to make sure your consistent.

It’s hard to fake your passion and need. I broke down twice.

Well I hope they were supportive, thanks for answering

They were indeed. To be honest, I’ve not hit any issues with the professionals on route.

I did things a bit in reverse by going to a surgeon before I had the green lights from the psychiatrists. I asked him who I could see to get them and he pointed me towards ‘gendercare’ in London.

I was worried they’d turn me down but my surgeon said he’d obviously met a lot of trans women and he could see no one would doubt me.

I still cried when each one said yes.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *he_virgin_maryWoman over a year ago

Here, there and everywhere!

"At the risk of getting boring, I thought I’d share my next step on my journey as a trans woman.

To re cap for those who don’t know my story;

I was born female. Well my brain was.

Anyhow; I got a female brain (me; who I am) and my sex chromosomes gave me the sex organs of a bloke.

So.... I can’t change my gender and who I am so I’ve set about aligning my body instead.

I’ve had laser to burn my facial hair so it doesn’t grow now. I also had the hair burned off my genitals and from under my arms. It’s really effective so I thought ‘why not’!

(yes it hurts and it took 12 months to clear my face)

I changed my name and jumped through a lot of hoops until I managed to get onto hormones.

That stopped ‘it’ working. Made it shrink. Shrank my testosterone generators and would have rendered me infertile if I hadn’t already had that plumbing cut years ago!

It also made my hair and skin female soft. Shrank my pores. Redistributed my fat so my face became more feminine along with my body.

I grew BOOBS

yes they’re very much real people!

I jumped through more hoops to get two independent psychiatrists to write two separate reports to allow my surgeons to cut me up. You need those even if you go abroad for surgery.

In august I had confirmation surgery where they cut my thing up and rearranged the parts (which are the same as a woman’s, just laid out differently) to give me a beautiful vagina.

I also had liposuction to harvest the chub I’d gained for that purpose. They then put it into my boobs to perk them up naturally.

About that time I managed to get my gender recognition certificate and corrected birth certificate. So I’m now correctly shown as female from birth.

So..... six months on I’m well on the road to recovery so I was hoping to have phase two of the fat harvesting and redistribution but covid stopped that.

So today, I went to a day clinic for my glottoplasty. Thats vocal feminisation surgery.

For anyone who’s worried I’ve cost them a huge amount of their taxes; I haven’t. I’ve used my own money and paid privately.

The nhs wouldn’t have paid for much of what I’ve done.

As always; ask away. You should know by now that I’m very open and happy to answer polite questions

I've followed your progress over the last few years and it's great to see you finally becoming the person you should have been from birth.

Keep us posted on how things go.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

What bravery and determination this journey must have taken. Amazing.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

I've followed your progress over the last few years and it's great to see you finally becoming the person you should have been from birth.

Keep us posted on how things go.

It takes quite a while, eh

I remember someone having a go at me a few years ago in a local pub; she told me to stop messing around and to get on with it or go do it somewhere else!

By going private, I’ve scrubbed years of the time this takes.

It’s still taken me about three years since I decided I needed to medically transition. Several years before that just presenting as female and wishing I could.

Please, everyone, be kind to those who are early on in their transition. The women who you can easily spot when you’re out and about. They are doing their best to present as as their true selves with no help from the system with hormones or hair removal.

Believe me; it’s hard. Very hard.

It takes a long time, even with the hormones, for you to change. There’s lots of damage that was done by our first puberty that simply can’t be undone. That’s hard to live with so please be kind.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *bsinthe_boyMan over a year ago

Luton

I have a friend who is early in her transition. The other day she was correctly gendered by an elderly lady while taking a walk in woodland and nearly cried with happiness. It can mean the world to someone, especially early in their journey.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *indergirlWoman over a year ago

somewhere, someplace

Just want to say I'm in awe of your bravery and determination xx

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Echoing what has been said. I don’t know you but I am incredibly happy for you!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I have a friend who is early in her transition. The other day she was correctly gendered by an elderly lady while taking a walk in woodland and nearly cried with happiness. It can mean the world to someone, especially early in their journey."

This is beautiful.

When it’s the other way round, even at this stage, it cuts to the bone.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *bsinthe_boyMan over a year ago

Luton

This is beautiful.

When it’s the other way round, even at this stage, it cuts to the bone. "

I cannot really imagine how it feels but I see it in her face. It's a small piece of validation.

Thank you for sharing your own story. It's enlightening even for someone with trans friends. We don't know each other but you've touched me.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

Thawt I’d bump this rather than starting anything new;

Update on how I’m getting on after my vocal surgery a week ago. I’ve had a fair few messages of other trans women who would like to back up when puberty made their voices break too.

So; the first couple of days were quite scary. I was struggling with a lot of mucus in my throat and was trying so hard not to cough and and tear the stitches in my vocal chords.

Huffing to clear it just lifted it and blocked my airway. That was the scary bit. I survived tho, obvs

So I’ve had a sore throat, that’s unaffected by my swallowing (steady on fellas!)

The soreness is almost gone today and I have a feeling like I can feel the stitches in there. That’s not nice!

I accidentally spoke a couple of words to find my voice simply doesn’t work now. It was nothing more than a croak. I giggled today without intending to; that was so incredibly girly.

I suspect this is going to take a lot more work to retrain the vocal chords muscles and get me talking again than I first thought.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"At the risk of getting boring, I thought I’d share my next step on my journey as a trans woman.

To re cap for those who don’t know my story;

I was born female. Well my brain was.

Anyhow; I got a female brain (me; who I am) and my sex chromosomes gave me the sex organs of a bloke.

So.... I can’t change my gender and who I am so I’ve set about aligning my body instead.

I’ve had laser to burn my facial hair so it doesn’t grow now. I also had the hair burned off my genitals and from under my arms. It’s really effective so I thought ‘why not’!

(yes it hurts and it took 12 months to clear my face)

I changed my name and jumped through a lot of hoops until I managed to get onto hormones.

That stopped ‘it’ working. Made it shrink. Shrank my testosterone generators and would have rendered me infertile if I hadn’t already had that plumbing cut years ago!

It also made my hair and skin female soft. Shrank my pores. Redistributed my fat so my face became more feminine along with my body.

I grew BOOBS

yes they’re very much real people!

I jumped through more hoops to get two independent psychiatrists to write two separate reports to allow my surgeons to cut me up. You need those even if you go abroad for surgery.

In august I had confirmation surgery where they cut my thing up and rearranged the parts (which are the same as a woman’s, just laid out differently) to give me a beautiful vagina.

I also had liposuction to harvest the chub I’d gained for that purpose. They then put it into my boobs to perk them up naturally.

About that time I managed to get my gender recognition certificate and corrected birth certificate. So I’m now correctly shown as female from birth.

So..... six months on I’m well on the road to recovery so I was hoping to have phase two of the fat harvesting and redistribution but covid stopped that.

So today, I went to a day clinic for my glottoplasty. Thats vocal feminisation surgery.

For anyone who’s worried I’ve cost them a huge amount of their taxes; I haven’t. I’ve used my own money and paid privately.

The nhs wouldn’t have paid for much of what I’ve done.

As always; ask away. You should know by now that I’m very open and happy to answer polite questions

I think you’re Amazing!!!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *naswingdressWoman over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

"Rachael, you're meant to be quiet

You are one hell of a woman, going through the various procedures and I hope the outcome from today brings you that bit closer to you, to Rachael.

*Hugs*"

I can't say it any better than this

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachael, you're meant to be quiet

You are one hell of a woman, going through the various procedures and I hope the outcome from today brings you that bit closer to you, to Rachael.

*Hugs*

I can't say it any better than this "

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

Well I’m talking again now.

My voice is much higher than it was. The bass part has gone from it, which was my main desire.

The hardest thing for a trans woman to do with her voice is to talk on the phone and not be assumed as male. I could do it before but it took a Herculean effort. That made me feel I was a fraud.

This op has wound back time and unbroken my voice. I’ve spoken to my kids , mum and two old friends. They’re all really surprised by just how much better my voice is so soon. I’m trying to stop myself over doing things though.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Genuinely delighted for you xxx

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By *uzy444Woman over a year ago

in the suffolk countryside

"At the risk of getting boring, I thought I’d share my next step on my journey as a trans woman.

To re cap for those who don’t know my story;

I was born female. Well my brain was.

Anyhow; I got a female brain (me; who I am) and my sex chromosomes gave me the sex organs of a bloke.

So.... I can’t change my gender and who I am so I’ve set about aligning my body instead.

I’ve had laser to burn my facial hair so it doesn’t grow now. I also had the hair burned off my genitals and from under my arms. It’s really effective so I thought ‘why not’!

(yes it hurts and it took 12 months to clear my face)

I changed my name and jumped through a lot of hoops until I managed to get onto hormones.

That stopped ‘it’ working. Made it shrink. Shrank my testosterone generators and would have rendered me infertile if I hadn’t already had that plumbing cut years ago!

It also made my hair and skin female soft. Shrank my pores. Redistributed my fat so my face became more feminine along with my body.

I grew BOOBS

yes they’re very much real people!

I jumped through more hoops to get two independent psychiatrists to write two separate reports to allow my surgeons to cut me up. You need those even if you go abroad for surgery.

In august I had confirmation surgery where they cut my thing up and rearranged the parts (which are the same as a woman’s, just laid out differently) to give me a beautiful vagina.

I also had liposuction to harvest the chub I’d gained for that purpose. They then put it into my boobs to perk them up naturally.

About that time I managed to get my gender recognition certificate and corrected birth certificate. So I’m now correctly shown as female from birth.

So..... six months on I’m well on the road to recovery so I was hoping to have phase two of the fat harvesting and redistribution but covid stopped that.

So today, I went to a day clinic for my glottoplasty. Thats vocal feminisation surgery.

For anyone who’s worried I’ve cost them a huge amount of their taxes; I haven’t. I’ve used my own money and paid privately.

The nhs wouldn’t have paid for much of what I’ve done.

As always; ask away. You should know by now that I’m very open and happy to answer polite questions

hello lovely, long time no see, so glad to hear how you are. glad you are over the major adjustments..so much love as always from me xxx

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By *ecretlivesCouple over a year ago

FABWatch HQ

Your few short words belie the undoubted effort and determination to be who you want to be.

It may be unPC but I'll admit at being sometimes challenged by others who seem to want the fluidity to move back and forth amongst gender (with all legal protection of that sex) based simply on how they feel that day. However people like you, who fight and persevere for years against the casual and institutional sexism/gender bias deserve all our support, and more.

I doff my cap at thee m'lady

N (him)

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

Your few short words belie the undoubted effort and determination to be who you want to be.

I doff my cap at thee m'lady

N (him)

Thank you.

I have taken a long time to understand myself, and am still discovering things as I go on.

I’m talking a great interest in the transition process for trans men at the moment and am watching YouTube videos by non binary people. There’s a lot to understand and unless you are one of these people it’s hard for anyone to fully understand how they feel.

I only personally know one gender fluid person at the moment and we’ve never had chance to get into the kind of discussion where I’d learn much about how they feel so I guess I don’t understand either. It’s about acceptance, let’s face it; they know a shed loads more than you or I. Tolerance too; the existence of trans people doesn’t actually affect anyone else.

Giving trans people the same rights as other people is just common human decency and fairness. It doesn’t take rights away from other people. As they say; it’s not pie.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Your thread makes me realise how much I need to learn about appropriate use of language, like the fact you said "I don't identify as female, I was born as one".

Thanks for teaching me something

and i will keep fingers crossed for you.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Your thread makes me realise how much I need to learn about appropriate use of language, like the fact you said "I don't identify as female, I was born as one".

Thanks for teaching me something

and i will keep fingers crossed for you. "

Thank you.

The ‘identifying as’ thing is a bit of a red herring and has led to casually transphobic comments like ‘I identify as a squirrel’ or whatever in the hope to sound amusing.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Your thread makes me realise how much I need to learn about appropriate use of language, like the fact you said "I don't identify as female, I was born as one".

Thanks for teaching me something

and i will keep fingers crossed for you.

Thank you.

The ‘identifying as’ thing is a bit of a red herring and has led to casually transphobic comments like ‘I identify as a squirrel’ or whatever in the hope to sound amusing. "

I will keep that in mind.

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By *host63Man over a year ago

Bedfont Feltham

No questions no judgement. You are what you are.

Enjoy your new life.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"No questions no judgement. You are what you are.

Enjoy your new life."

I am what I am..... that’d make a terrific song

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I'm so pleased for you xxx

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

A warrior princess

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Well I’m talking again now.

My voice is much higher than it was. The bass part has gone from it, which was my main desire.

The hardest thing for a trans woman to do with her voice is to talk on the phone and not be assumed as male. I could do it before but it took a Herculean effort. That made me feel I was a fraud.

I missed this post.

How are you a few days on?

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By *sLittleRedRidingHoodWoman over a year ago

Magical Forrest

Wow I just read your post... have to say I love your courage and strength... and love your body very sexy ....

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Well I’m talking again now.

My voice is much higher than it was. The bass part has gone from it, which was my main desire.

The hardest thing for a trans woman to do with her voice is to talk on the phone and not be assumed as male. I could do it before but it took a Herculean effort. That made me feel I was a fraud.

I missed this post.

How are you a few days on?

It’s now just over two weeks and I’m talking now.

My voice seems to jump up and down on its own. It’s croaky at times too.

My chords will still be swollen and healing so my voice will slowly get higher on its own.

I’m happy so far but this was never going to be just a magic wand.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Wow I just read your post... have to say I love your courage and strength... and love your body very sexy ....

Thank you x

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Well I’m talking again now.

My voice is much higher than it was. The bass part has gone from it, which was my main desire.

The hardest thing for a trans woman to do with her voice is to talk on the phone and not be assumed as male. I could do it before but it took a Herculean effort. That made me feel I was a fraud.

I missed this post.

How are you a few days on?

It’s now just over two weeks and I’m talking now.

My voice seems to jump up and down on its own. It’s croaky at times too.

My chords will still be swollen and healing so my voice will slowly get higher on its own.

I’m happy so far but this was never going to be just a magic wand. "

Singing by summer.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Well I’m talking again now.

My voice is much higher than it was. The bass part has gone from it, which was my main desire.

The hardest thing for a trans woman to do with her voice is to talk on the phone and not be assumed as male. I could do it before but it took a Herculean effort. That made me feel I was a fraud.

I missed this post.

How are you a few days on?

It’s now just over two weeks and I’m talking now.

My voice seems to jump up and down on its own. It’s croaky at times too.

My chords will still be swollen and healing so my voice will slowly get higher on its own.

I’m happy so far but this was never going to be just a magic wand.

Singing by summer.

I’d love to sing again but I’m prepared not to. Perhaps I’ll just be singing in the shower off key.

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By *arahtvTV/TS over a year ago

dublin

thank you so much for sharing this

your an inspiration

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By *rightonsteveMan over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

Rachel, it’s not boring. Also, over the years I’ve seen your tits get bigger.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Rachel, it’s not boring. Also, over the years I’ve seen your tits get bigger. "

True story tho

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"thank you so much for sharing this

your an inspiration

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

You are such an inspirational woman. You have told and explained your journey so honestly and openly. I do wish you every happiness xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

Well today I had two appointments in London. 3hrs drive each way to see them.

First I saw the surgeon who will be harvesting fat with liposuction; tummy up to my boobs, around my waist and my inner thighs. She’ll then top up my breasts and, if there’s enough, put some onto my hips. That’s scheduled for the start of may.

A few hours later I saw the surgeon who did my vocal surgery just over a month ago. All healing very well.

My voice has lifted about 65hz. That’s made such a difference already. I feel a lot more confident to speak without people instantly realising I’m trans. A voice that aligns better with me and the way I look now.

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By *mandajane01TV/TS over a year ago

Ballymena

I just wish I had had the nerve 30 years ago, to take the road (dream) that you have followed. I wish you all the best an will follow with interest

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I just wish I had had the nerve 30 years ago, to take the road (dream) that you have followed. I wish you all the best an will follow with interest"

It’s never too late if it’s what you need.

I had my confirmation surgery aged 50 and there’s ladies much older than me who do this. My best friend is 60 very soon and she’ll have her surgery in about 18 months time.

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By *tever69UKMan over a year ago

bury

Solidarity and respect - especially today.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Solidarity and respect - especially today."

Thank you.

I’m proud to be trans and proud to be visible today especially.

#InternationalTransDayOfVisibility

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Massive fair play to you Rachel! Great to share something people are usually afraid to ask about! I’ve always seen you on the forums (I’ve been on the site before) and seen your profile and you’ve become a gorgeous woman!! Entertaining in the forums and keeping every updated is awesome! As I said, fair play!

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By *ad NannaWoman over a year ago

East London

"Well today I had two appointments in London. 3hrs drive each way to see them.

A few hours later I saw the surgeon who did my vocal surgery just over a month ago. All healing very well.

Great news. If you need more fat I'll be happy to donate some of mine x

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Well today I had two appointments in London. 3hrs drive each way to see them.

A few hours later I saw the surgeon who did my vocal surgery just over a month ago. All healing very well.

Great news. If you need more fat I'll be happy to donate some of mine x"

There seems quite a few offers of spare flab

I had mine wobbled by my surgeon and she’s said I’m plenty fat enough. My speak your weight scales confirm this too by saying “one at a time please” when I use them.

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By *ames GentlyMan over a year ago

cannock

Well done to you. All the best for the future x

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By *ea monkeyMan over a year ago

Manchester (he/him)

I’m so happy for you Rachael and I’m in awe of you!

I must admit to feeling somewhat invested in your journey, having followed your posts and threads for quite a while. I remember your threads about telling your children and others along the way, so it’s amazing to see you as you are now.

I love how much you’re willing to share and how open you are, if only to educate others. You’re a brave, amazing and incredibly special woman

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Absolutely gorgeous girl and an inspiration to girls like me xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I’m so happy for you Rachael and I’m in awe of you!

I love how much you’re willing to share and how open you are, if only to educate others. You’re a brave, amazing and incredibly special woman"

Thank you.

this cost me a marriage and more money than you’d believe but I am finally finding happiness, even though I often feel desperately alone. Xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Absolutely gorgeous girl and an inspiration to girls like me xx"

That’s so good to hear. I’m always willing to talk to others who are on a similar journey. I hope my posts offer hope and answer a few questions. Xx

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By *ea monkeyMan over a year ago

Manchester (he/him)

"I’m so happy for you Rachael and I’m in awe of you!

I love how much you’re willing to share and how open you are, if only to educate others. You’re a brave, amazing and incredibly special woman

Thank you.

this cost me a marriage and more money than you’d believe but I am finally finding happiness, even though I often feel desperately alone. Xx"

I’m so sorry to read that. It’s hard to write anything that doesn’t sound like glib platitudes but you absolutely deserve to be happy. I don’t even know what to say about being alone, I imagine that your experience is very isolating, even though it absolutely shouldn’t be.

If you want to chat about anything at all, feel free to PM me

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I’m so happy for you Rachael and I’m in awe of you!

I love how much you’re willing to share and how open you are, if only to educate others. You’re a brave, amazing and incredibly special woman

Thank you.

this cost me a marriage and more money than you’d believe but I am finally finding happiness, even though I often feel desperately alone. Xx

If you want to chat about anything at all, feel free to PM me

Thank you, you’re very kind. X

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Wow . I've known you in person from the MLS socials .It's always lovely to chat to you over a drink. Well done for telling us all about your transition. Wishing you all the best and you are a true inspiration to others that feel the same

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By *anky_PankyWoman over a year ago

Filthy Fuckeryville

Known you years, loved you for years. Pretty bloody sure you know you have always just been Rachael to me no matter what you were 'officially'

Find the thought of you being silent kinda funny though!!

Need huggles before I leave the country again xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Known you years, loved you for years. Pretty bloody sure you know you have always just been Rachael to me no matter what you were 'officially'

Find the thought of you being silent kinda funny though!!

Need huggles before I leave the country again xx"

Well best you get down to Somerset and see me then!

I’m having my next operation in just over a week so will be back in my sexy little compression outfit again for another six weeks at least. Covered from my knees up so I’m making the most of the sunshine while it can still reach my skin!

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By *anky_PankyWoman over a year ago

Filthy Fuckeryville

"Known you years, loved you for years. Pretty bloody sure you know you have always just been Rachael to me no matter what you were 'officially'

Find the thought of you being silent kinda funny though!!

Need huggles before I leave the country again xx

Well best you get down to Somerset and see me then!

Today is my first day out of quarantine

Need to get a fair bit sorted after 4 months out, but we will sort something for sure. Hope all good with next op and enjoy the compression - I know all about that from corsets!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

unless you post people wont know the ins and outs so to speak.

never easy to be open and honest on a forum. but i hope people show kindness and give you strength through support.

life isnt easy at the best of times.

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By *hloevtTV/TS over a year ago

norwich

So many things to say , but firstly...

"You look stunning".

My fullest respect and admiration goes to you.

I have been following you on here for some time and I think your amazing.

I have friends that are going down the same yellow brick road as you and we try to give them as much love and suport as possible.

Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you so much love xxx Chloe Xxx

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"unless you post people wont know the ins and outs so to speak.

never easy to be open and honest on a forum. but i hope people show kindness and give you strength through support.

life isnt easy at the best of times."

The forums have been the thing that’s got me through at times. I feel welcome here and I’ve needed that in more than one occasion.

Transition requires an awful lot of patience. This has taken years but I’ve taken about three years off my wait by paying privately.

It also requires very thick skin and dogged determination.

There are a lot of people who will humour you but then try to quietly point out why you’re actually not a woman.

I think I prefer the once who are just nasty openly.

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By *he_virgin_maryWoman over a year ago

Here, there and everywhere!

"unless you post people wont know the ins and outs so to speak.

never easy to be open and honest on a forum. but i hope people show kindness and give you strength through support.

life isnt easy at the best of times.

The forums have been the thing that’s got me through at times. I feel welcome here and I’ve needed that in more than one occasion.

Transition requires an awful lot of patience. This has taken years but I’ve taken about three years off my wait by paying privately.

It also requires very thick skin and dogged determination.

There are a lot of people who will humour you but then try to quietly point out why you’re actually not a woman.

I think I prefer the once who are just nasty openly. "

All I'll say on the matter is ........

You go girl!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Very brave.

More power to you

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By *olly_chromaticTV/TS over a year ago

Stockport

Bloody brilliant Rachael! Sending hugs xxx

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I have a friend who is beginning their transition so I have a tiny insight into how potentially painful this decision can be

It's a brave decision to start with and there can be fallout from family and friends who don't understand.

I'm very happy for you Rachel

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By *urls and DressesWoman over a year ago

Somewhere near here

You are truly amazing!

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I have a friend who is beginning their transition so I have a tiny insight into how potentially painful this decision can be

It's a brave decision to start with and there can be fallout from family and friends who don't understand.

I'm very happy for you Rachel "

Thank you.

Please do all you can to support your friend. This is a very long journey and so many people don’t understand, no matter how hard they try.

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