Advice about transition from others

Alex — Western Australia
“I would say to guys who were thinking of transitioning to talk as much as they can to other people, and other trans-guys, to use people as sounding boards, and don’t judge yourself. ”

Blade — South Australia
“Do as much reflection and research as humanly possible and you feel you need to make the choice. AND not to get pressured one way or the other – either by medical practitioners or by communities you move in. Ultimately …there’s no rush. The door will still be there if and when you decide to walk through it.”

Cameron — NSW
“You are the controller of your own destiny; draw on your own courage and wisdom to change your life. Only you are the one with the ability to do so. Believe in your inner self. The journey may not always be smooth (I know mine was not) but it is well worth it.”

Henry — Western Australia
“Just be yourself. It sounds trite, but it’s a difficult thing to face up to who you really are. I think it’s far more important to focus on how you can best live your life than to worry about what other people are going to say or whether you fit into preconceived notions of how men/ ftms/ trans* people behave.”

Max — Western Australia
“Have the courage to let the real you step out from the inner you and if you need help along the way there is always another man who has just taken that step ahead of you willing to show you the path.”

Mick — NSW
“If we ignore, bottle up or reject the difficult issues then the issues can blow up. Try and deal with the issues, stress and emotions as they arise and don’t be afraid talk about them or seek help.”

Mitch — NSW
“Follow your heart and educate people in the process. Whilst it is your own personal decision, there will be some that will not accept change. Soldier on though because life is too short to live by other’s expectations. They will have to just “build a bridge and get over it.”

Ross — NSW
“It is important to find someone you can trust to bounce your feelings off, and to help you to get started when you are ready, whether that person be family, friend or counsellor. But find someone. It is so important to be open and honest with yourself, your friends and your family. Family CAN be so supportive if you are open and honest with them. They can NOT be too. Blood families who are not supportive at first, can, over time, come round and/or be replaced with other family. Believe in yourself. YOU KNOW how and what YOU feel, how YOU identify, what YOUR own beliefs are. Don’t get trapped into emotional blackmail from anyone.”

page updated 3 January 2011