Transitioning early in life: Shelby's advice

(ed. note: I've changed her name to protect her privacy-- A)

The Five smartest things I did during my Transition are:

I paid for SRS privately. After having gone to a Gender Identity Clinic for Assessment, and living full time for 4 years, the decision to have private SRS was the right one for me.

I started Hormone Therapy at age 22. It's the thing to do if you want to become the person you're born to be. Start early with Transition.

I stayed Single. It's difficult to do, but for me it was a wise choice. At a time when Society says "marry and have kids" it's not for everyone. I don't know how difficult it would be to Transition after having married and having kids. It must be very hard on everyone, that was my perspective on marriage. And I just couldn't deny who I was, it may sound selfish to a degree, but it was what I had to do.

I didn't rely on support groups for my total well being, but had a couple of very good supportive Transsexual Female friends, who were very helpful. I did attend a monthly support group, which helped keep me in touch with issues at the time.

I educated myself. One of my closest Transsexual Female friends was diagnosed with AIDS, this led me into the Health Care Field, and a Career Path which to this day remains very challenging. But for me it was the right path, and there are a lot of openings for Nurses right now, and there will be for many years to come.

The five things I would change if I could about my Transition:

Start Hormone Therapy at a younger age.

Complete electrolysis sooner.

Have SRS sooner.

Seek out Medical Attention at a younger age.

Inform my Family of my Transsexuality at a younger age.

Send me your thoughts, links, and advice!

If you transitioned in your teens or twenties and have any advice you'd like to share, please contact me , and I'll give it a permanent (and anonymous) home.