I'm trans, came out just a couple of months ago. I don't post about this on Lemmy very often (if at all), but it's been a struggle. My dysphoria - in a nutshell, the incongruency between what I see in the mirror and what I want to look like as a woman - has had a profound effect on me. I'm pushing fifty, and I can honestly say transitioning is the most difficult thing I have ever had to do.
I have good days and bad days. Today is a good day, but on the bad ones I feel as though I look like Quark in the DS9 episode "Profit and Lace." I'll tell myself all kinds of awful, self-hating transphobic things like "you're just a man in a dress" or "ugh what is that thing" or "freak" or "you'll never be a real woman." What a repulsive thing to say to yourself, how terribly unkind. I have specific issues with my facial hair, which are being addressed, but things like that take time. It's like I'm fighting a battle against my own body, something I think most people can't easily relate to. It's hard to be patient while living in this (emotionally) painful in-between state, not knowing if I'll ever be happy with myself. If it weren't for my incredibly supportive wife, I'm not sure where I'd be right now.
Yeah, today is a good day. For now, at least. I feel safe and comfortable posting this here, you guys have always been a supportive and accepting community and I'd like to say thank you for that. Maybe I should start posting in the blahaj instance rather than bombarding you guys with this. Anyway, I'm gonna sign off for a while, I got my hands full at work today and gotta focus. Thanks for letting me vent.
Real talk. Despite how much I love them and honestly wouldn't change it if I could, I have and still struggle sometimes with feeling like I'm less of a woman for having small breasts.
Other women struggle feeling like they don't qualify, aren't good enough, are less than, and whatever for all sorts of reasons! Congratulations OP you are part of our shitty club. Grab a stuffed animal, soft blanket and your favorite snacks. There is a lot to complain about but you have a solidarity you never knew before. If you ever need another girl friend my inbox is open!
And uhhh HELLO you are essentially going through puberty, a major life change, AND doing heavy duty therapy work all at the same time! It is okay to have bad days but even if you can't be nice to yourself, please try to remind yourself it's basically teen angst in ways! Even if you're not on hormones, a lot of the emotions and inner struggles/growth will be similar to puberty.
Ok sorry, I see so many trans women at my job and all I think and feel when I see them is how happy I am that they are finally going to feel at home in their own bodies and living their truth! And I just want to make them feel as supported as possible. I'm not concerned or thinking about if they are passing. Oh but I do so badly want to give them fashion advice sometimes , lucky you got your wife!! Obviously I get carried away with this. Idk fellt cute, might delete later.
Uggh I know, I have to keep reminding myself that there is a lot going on, especially my poor brain's hormonal struggles. Arrgh this is awful, kinda hilarious, but awful.
HAhah wait, side note...I have been getting the munchies lately like never before. Is this a thing?
Whoops I hit reply by accident a little early. I just wanted to say thank you, I read everything you said and it means so much to me, so thank you, asteriskeverything! hug
omg I'm an emotional mess. And I'm high. It has been a good time reading all these replies, especially yours. I feel so supported. Thank you again ❤️
Maybe?? I never thought about it until now but yeah I guess I've only had women in my life talk about how badly they are cravings something!
I'm glad I was able to bring you some comfort! And like I said if you ever wanna talk to someone my inbox is open. (This goes for anyone reading this who needs someone) I'm not a professional but I'm familiar enough with all this stuff and mental health that you won't have to spend a lot of time answering questions to explaining stuff
I hope you continue to remember you're supported. And I hope you have more good days than bad. Try to laugh at it on the bad days, if you can. hug ❤