That's very brave of you. I don't think I could cope with the pain of tweezers! I get razor bumps already and decided to try out at-home IPL, but it's only been two weeks so I can't comment on results yet.

I keep reading about this but I am missing something. Is it ok to start now even without a surgery date? If I finish electrolysis 6-18 months before a surgery date, do surgeons have an issue with this? I am intending to get on a schedule as soon as I am permitted to, so I want to get started on hair removal now. I just don't want to hurt my chances with eventual surgery results.

Thanks! I'm going to need to work hard on this.

Also if neither of you have started yet, voice training and hair removal take FOREVER. They're almost as slow as HRT itself, so get started as soon as you can, if you can/want that to be part of your transition. Honestly I wish I'd done the hair removal a decade ago even without transitioning. It just feels so much better!

I'm also a few weeks in and not seeing any changes. I am also on a t blocker, though I don't know if it's working yet as my first blood test isn't for another month. It takes time. I feel a little different mentally, but I am physically still a giant hairy man.

My advice is to try and find one person you can absolutely trust and confide in them, if you can. It's better to do this with help than alone. Maybe find a local-ish group that meets up in person and attend if you aren't comfortable with people who know you. I find it odd to think about, but I am more comfortable discussing things with people I have never met but who share in my daily struggles than to talk with someone I know who doesn't.

I'm sorry you had to go through that! I understand the sentiment of keeping it visible but close, which is why a necklace was my first thought as well. I might do that anyway to keep the original close when we get new rings. Thank you!

This is actually really sweet it in a way. I'm glad to know that others are comfortable just being outside of a "norm". We've been together over 20 years and I've had the same ring the whole time, but I preferred to remove it while working. In my line of work, I had the same fears about degloving or electrocution. It's gone the opposite direction for me though, in that it's now so large even the silicone wraparound sizers aren't big enough. I'll take your suggestions into consideration, though. I've always loved plants, and there is a Polynesian cultural practice of wearing flowers like a plumeria on one side of the hair to indicate marital status. Not as practical in the winter, but it's still something I think I'd enjoy.

You and Telorand both suggesting silicone sent me looking. It might be worth grabbing a "his and hers" set so I also have something to wear for now in boymode. I still haven't told anyone but my spouse that I know in person so I need to stay under the radar while the hormones do their thing. This might not be a terrible idea. Thanks!

It's natural to be afraid of change, but I can tell you from someone in her 40's, it's never too late. Your family will love you for who you are, and your identity is something that YOU know. Life gets better when you can be yourself. Don't do what I did and wait a decade to do something about it. There are people everywhere just like us and we help each other. There are professionals who can help you, and this path has been blazed by many before us. Stay on it, find yourself, and life gets so much better from there. Congratulations, sister!

I realize that everyone's situation is different and you may have valid reasons preventing you from transitioning. That said, you should consider doing it now. I figured it out at 30, and 11 years later I am bitter that I waited to begin. Don't regret the missed years and experiences. Also, I am causing my spouse a lot of grief and self questioning. They constantly ask if they are the reason I didn't do it sooner. They're not at fault, but they will always have that nagging thought in the back of their mind. I realize everyone is in a unique situation and that the timing is very much terrible, but do consider it, at least. Whether you do or not, you're still valid and you matter!

The issue with this thinking is that it ignores that elected officials are proposing this legislation at all, usually to whip up support in their voter base. Which means that their voters want it, or they believe they do. Some part of the population wants it to happen, and those people are dangerous to us whether bills like this pass or not. Texas still belongs on a "do not travel" list, even if there are internal enclaves of sanity and compassion within the state.

Well, I finally came out to my spouse after a decade feeling trapped. The support I received was more than I could have ever hoped for from them! And this community seems pretty fantastic. So for once in what feels like forever, this one was a good week. There's always hope and someone who will love you for who you are. You just have to find them! ;{