New here, looking for support

@paulmaybechloe Chloe:

There are a number of things that make this a difficult time. If we have never considered the possibility that our gender identity is different from what we originally thought, it raises many question marks:

• What’s going to happen to my life?
• What’s going to happen to my family?
• What’s going to happen to my work situation?
• What’s going to happen to my church situation?
• Will I lose friends and relatives?
• Will I be accepted in my community?
• How do I go forward?

These questions and others will need to be sorted over time. Many here have worked with therapists and found it to be very helpful in many ways because this is not something that we have worked through before. There are issues that need to be sorted and understood. Possible decisions that need to be evaluated and made. All this happens within the context that our lived experience, but we have no background for it. That what makes it helpful to be able to lean on the expertise of others. However, it is important to find a therapist with experience in gender issues as not everyone has that as a focus.

Also, I encourage you to complete your Profile Page as it gives members insight into how things are going for you, what’s difficult, do you have support in your area, etc. It isn’t unusual for conversations to start due to common interests, having live in or traveled to the some places, having related occupations, etc. All of this works to build understanding and bonds between us in the community.