Hi,
I'm a recently cracked egg, and I figure I might as well introduce myself here.
I made it to age 31 before I figured it out. I've been dating a trans girl for over 3 years before realizing that I also am one, so I'm coming into it with a lot of knowledge, and as soon as my mind was opened to it I very quickly became sure of it. On the plus side, that means that I don't have any doubts about it myself.
So far I've told my girlfriend, therapist, parents, and some online friends. Mostly they've taken it well (My therapist and girlfriend were apparently expecting it before I realized it myself), although my dad has been somewhat resistant. I've been trying to convince him that it's right for me, with moderate success. I think I will be able to bring him around, with some more time. I've been too chicken to tell others that I know IRL, so far.
Also... now is not really a great time to be transitioning, given the current state of the world, especially the US (where I live). I think I definitely want to go ahead with it anyways, but I'll probably take some time before I pull the trigger on a social transition, and try to prepare some things beforehand. In particular, I want to do voice training in advance, and probably work on some fashion and makeup skills so I can immediately transition my voice and surface level appearance when I social transition.
I don't know if my new employer (starting next month) will be accepting of it, either, so maybe I want to work that job for a bit to get experience and test the waters before I decide how to proceed. I probably want to get some experience from that job before I bounce from it, so it would be ideal if they are accepting.
Welcome to the fold, sister! You'll find your situation isn't so rare, here. There's plenty of experience and resources around, and I share many of your concerns! I'm on my 3rd month of HRT in my 40's, also in the US, and also recently changed employers in the past year. It's difficult, but you CAN do it! You can start voice training anytime, and there's plenty of YouTube and some Discord/Matrix/Other places for practice and critiquing. You can also get 1:1 sessions online, or get local training from a speech pathologist, but find one that specializes in voice feminization! Makeup isn't as difficult as it seems, either. You can get lessons at some places like Ulta, and there are a lot of YouTube videos for this, as well! I personally recommend Stef Sanjati's videos, since she did this professionally and really digs into technique and explaining the reasoning behind what she does.
HRT is a pretty slow process, especially as your age increases. You can hide many of the effects for a while, too! Some of use start failing at boymode 6 months in, some are still able to pull it off up to two years in. Look into starting it sooner than later, because it's a big change, especially mentally, and it takes so long to affect anything!
Hang in there! I'm hoping things can be salvaged here in the land of the Freedom to be Told Not to Use Any Restroom, but I'm also thinking about backup plans, and looking for ways to organize. The more of us that are vocal, the better chance we have of being heard.
Thanks!
I would definitely like to look into organizing. And I think that I will be able to handle being vocal and advocating for myself and my fellows.
I've looked up several voice training tutorials and I think I have a plan that will work for me to do it. I just need to put in the time to do it. I think it will be really fun for me to have better control of my voice, so that's a strong motivator.