A perspective on transition

While idling in a trans-related irc channel, a conversation struck up relating to a specific problem that someone was having. Out of this came some advice that I wish I had been given years ago, and, I believe, something that many people deserve to know sooner rather than later:

It's a false choice; you don't "try to transition".

You "decide to take HRT", you "decide to dress androgynously", you "decide to get electro/laser", etc.

The "decide to transition" paradigm died out in the 50's, but the establishment and popular literature just hasn't yet caught up to that reality.

You need to learn to listen to yourself, and put that in its place on your hierarchy of needs. So you can make decisions like:

• Electro is a good idea. I am going to get electrolysis because no matter what I decide, I am never going to enjoy facial hair.
• It is ok for me to dress androgynously. The consequences are relatively small, and it makes all the difference in the world when I see myself.
• It is ok for me to take HRT, because the changes are relatively small over months and I can always change my mind.

In the grand scope of things, the only *big* decisions are the irrevocable ones. Sharing this with your family, with your employer, with your friends.

> SecondWind, I feel like the fool on the short bus all the other kids make fun of, but I do not know how to dress androgynously

Hah, good point. God, I hate fashion. I just shopped entirely in the women's clothing section for that which I would wear anyways.

Sweaters, jeans, sneakers, etc.

Also grow out your hair and get it styled in a way you like, fuck gender norms.

I'm not saying androgyny is a comfortable place to end up, but it's sure as hell better than where you started.

Anyhow, if you were truly ready to fully transition *right now*, it would be a horrible experience, because it takes a _long_ time.

-- SecondWind