2017 so far

Twenty fivedays in and 2017 is looking pretty good.

This time last year I was in a very dark and scary place, somewhere I never want to go back to. Now, I'm eight months on hormones and progressing happily in my transition.

On the 12th, I had my second Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic appointment. The NHS are now taking over my hormone prescriptions which is amazing as it'll cost £8 per shot rather than £120.

They have also given me an appointment for my first assessment for top surgery on the 30th of August. After that, I will get a second assessment around this time next year and then all I have to do is choose a surgeon and they will refer me, so 2018 will be the year of my top surgery!!

I have had so much overwhelming support from so many people, I know they will make the wait easier, especially this one:

On a down note, I've been suffering from really bad cramps, like period pains only sharper. I've been told it's normal, after all my reproductive system is fighting against a whole load of testosterone. It is likely that I will require a hysterectomy in the next few years anyway, but I'm glad the doctor didn't even mention that as I don't feel ready to go through that sort of procedure yet.

One very strange turn of events is that my trousers falling down has sort of become a part of my life. It's happened in public - and I mean like high street public - three times this month and I've finally stopped convincing myself that I don't need new trousers (there's a hole in the butt of my jeans, so that's the final straw). I take it as a good thing though, my waist has dropped a size and my arse is getting smaller so thank you hormones!! I've gone from 9st6lbs to 8st12lbs in the last six months.

I've started seeing a guy who I feel very comfortable with, which is different for me. It's proving to me that, although I have a long way to go, I can feel comfortable in my skin.

I've been getting really great feedback about this blog, which is a massive confidence boost. If you're interested in a certain topic or have any questions don't hesitate to ask me and I'll make a post on it if I already haven't.

Hope everybody's year has got off to an equally good start (ignoring the inauguration)!!

fab

8 Months on T - Update and Voice Comparison

EIGHT MONTHS WHAT

Let's get started.

My snail trail has spread out so my stomach is quite furry, I'm also getting hairs on my chest. My facial hair is still pathetic but if I don't shave I get some pretty awesome - if barely visible - mutton chops.

My acne has got considerably worse. It's not that bad, but it's just annoying and I'd rather not have it so I have prescribed gel.

My body shape continues to gradually change. I'm having to wear belts and braces (mainly braces) with most of my trousers after they fell down along the high street one time...

My voice is pretty much the same, although I rarely have voice cracks anymore, so I think it's pretty much settled. Take a look:

Everybody says that testosterone doesn't change who you are. I agree with this because essentially I am still the exact same person I was in May, but there is one vital difference. I'm happy.

I don't cry about my body anymore.

I don't dehydrate myself so I can avoid using public bathrooms.

I don't hide in the cubicle until the bathroom is empty so I can sneak out.

I don't have crippling anxiety anymore.

I don't avoid talking to strangers because of my voice.

I don't feel the need to be in a relationship.

I don't feel trapped.

My outlook on life is much brighter and I'm able to be myself around others, with out holding back in fear of being misgendered.

So, yes, I have changed somewhat, but not in the way most would think. I'm still very much in touch with my feminine side and enjoy the same things I did pre-T.

Basically, I'm happier, more confident, more blunt, more relaxed, more driven and more sociable.

I may not be a role model for the trans community, I don't travel to meet other trans people, or have a six-pack (and never will, I'm far too lazy), or do talks etc, but I do hope that I have enlightened some people and perhaps even changed their opinions on transitioning for the better.

Please continue to encourage trans people to get this far. I never knew how happy a jab in the butt every three months could make me. *face palms*

fab

Self Acceptance

After over two years of being 'Frank', I can finally, whole-heartedly say that I accept myself.

For a very long time, I felt a lot of anger and frustration that I wasn't 'normal' and that my life had to be so much harder simply because I was transgender.

I felt useless, helpless and incredibly unattractive.

I still feel this way the large majority of the time, but if I have learned anything from the LGBTQ community, it's to own who you are.

For example, the word queer used to be a derogatory term for anybody under the LGBTQ umbrella, until the community took the word and said 'Yes, I am queer, and there's nothing wrong with that!'

Once you embrace who you are, you can start to build a happy life with healthy relationships.

I am transsexual and I am going to own it.

I'm the person people come to when they have loved ones who are struggling with their gender identity.

I'm the person people come to when they have questions.

I'm the person that can potentially help a trans brother or sister get through the difficult stages I've already been through.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

Same goes for any other transman or transwoman.

You may be in an unusual situation or been through a difficult event yourself. Pick yourself up, do what you have to do to be happy, learn from that experience and encourage others who have been through the same, and perhaps feel very alone, to keep going and live a fulfilled life.

Inspire happiness.

This doesn't mean that I'm in any way comfortable with my body, I still have a very long way to go before I will feel that way, but that won't stop me from being who I am now.

This also doesn't mean that I want everybody to know that I'm trans. More than anything I want to be viewed as a biological guy and I'm fortunate enough to have reached a stage where strangers don't even question my gender anymore. Being trans isn't even a particularly large part of my life anymore, because I'm surrounded by people who don't treat me differently. However, in my community, I will reveal absolutely everything and anything to help a brother/sister and, likewise, I know they've got my back.

A community always comes down to the individuals. If we learn to own ourselves, we will individually become much happier. This would result in a much happier society. The difficulty arises when we must realise that it is okay to be ourselves but it is also okay for our neighbour to be very different. My stance on this matter has always been 'if they're not hurting anybody, then I have no problem with them'.

Perhaps if more people thought the same way, there would be more love in the world.

fab