Welcome to the Transitioning section of this site.
Here I have information and advice, based on what I have learned over the years, and based on what I have experienced in my own transition.
I think there are some simple truths about what you can and should do during transition, and some common things you might expect, and I'll talk about those things here. In addition to my own writing, I list resources such as books to read and web sites to visit. If you have any advice, I'd be glad to hear what you have to say. Over time, I'm condensing down my experiences from my journal and presenting those thoughts to you here.
Some of my advice is certainly from the perspective of someone that has transitioned in her thirties, is divorced, and has kids. That's just the way I am, and it's my reality. Regardless of where you are now, I trust that you will find a lot of information that you can apply to your life situation.
I'm not a therapist, a lawyer or a doctor, and this site is not a substitute for any of those three things. All I can do is relate to you my experiences, the things I have learned, and the things that have (and have not) worked for me. It is important to get professional help.
Transition is different for every person, and it's impossible to say, "Yes, do this and it will be okay", and have that always be true for everyone. If anyone gives you advice like that, take it with a grain of salt, and thank them for their help. There will always be well meaning friends that want to help you, I hope, but they can never truly know what you are experiencing. It's ultimately up to you to decide what is the best advice to take, or leave, and that certainly goes for the information at this site..
There is no right way to transition, basically, and every path is as unique as a snowflake.
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing." - Abraham Lincoln
This is a section of the site is very much in development, so check back often for updates. Page updated October 20, 2007
Suggestions? Do you have something to contribute? Write me at jenni at jennifer-o dot com. People rarely contribute, so you can be one of the few. :-)
"The best parachute folders are those that jump themselves." - Anonymous
Transitioning Information
Help
Your first place to look. This page is about getting you started finding help, depression, antidepressants, advice on advice, and how to help yourself. Updated 7/21/02.
Suicide
My thoughts on this, and some resources for help in preventing this. Updated 7-21-02.
What its like to grow up TS
Been there, done that, and some things you can do to relieve the stress while living as your natal gender, along with some general thoughts on being TS. Updated 8-7-01.
Theories and Therapy
It's not your fault, or anyone else's for that matter. Includes "Will SRS Help Me?" and new links to the Zhou Y2000 brain research. Updated 9-9-01
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self- confidence is preparation." -- Arthur Ashe
Beginning Transition
"Ten ways to act on your dreams"
Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D., co-author of The One Minute Manager, points out that it's important to manage the journey, not just announce the destination. Your stating your destination is a huge, most likely terrifying, step for you. Before you do that, though, you need to be well informed, and well prepared with some goals and a plan of action. "We don't plan to fail, we fail to plan." Sounds like a trite quote, but it's all too often true.
Deciding if this is right for you, things to think about before you begin, advice for what you must to to prepare for this exciting time, and steps to help you reach that goal.
"Ten ways to act on your dreams" is based on the inspiring book, "Wake up calls" by Joan Lunden. Updated 7-28-02.
Family Issues
This new section of the site will focus on Family Issues, as the title says. This includes your parents and family if you're TS, being a parent of a TS, and also, especially, things to help the children of a TS. There is scant little information out there for TS parents, and what information and research I find will go in this section. Updated 7/02
Hormones
Medical resources, and some things that you should expect from the elixir of life. Updated 6-10-02.
Voice
My thoughts, and links to sites and resources to help you with this most troublesome part of transition.
Feminization
Things to do to enhance your female persona, including presenting as female, clothing issues, makeup, electrolysis, and links to medical resources for facial feminization. Updated 11-19-01.
"Knowing is not enough, we must apply; Willing is not enough, we must do." - Bruce Lee
Coming Out
Education is important, as is cultivating the relationships that are important to you before coming out to family, friends and coworkers. Updated 6-06-01.
Legal Issues
Links added 5-13-01 with TransParentcy.
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." --Maria Robinson
Going Full-time:
Things to do, and resources for changing documents and preparing yourself.
Full Time:
My experiences and advice as you begin to live as yourself.
Pre-Op Preparation:
What to do, when to do it, and what to bring with you...
Surgery
A little bit about my surgeon, along with links to files and sites.
My Surgery:
Some of my experiences from my journal.
Sex and Sexuality
Here we discuss Sex, Sexuality and Gender, and what you may expect both for yourself, and from others. Updated 7-22-02
Post-Op
Some of my experiences, advice, and links to other sources of information on the Internet. Updated 7-9-01
Female-to-Male
Some of the little bit that I know and have found about "The Boyz". Updated 5-30-01 .
Religion and Transsexuality
My thoughts on this, along with links to others. Updated 5-20-01.
Frequently Asked Questions
Send your questions today!
