My job as Computer Network Manager is ending in a few months and I need to move somewhere to pursue my TS life. I dress as a boy at work but am somewhat androgynous in appearance. Unfortunately I have a lot of body hair. I am willing to move where the support and work opportunities to be a woman forever are the best. I'm considering Portland and or Seattle. I want to throw all male cloths away, look for counseling and work as a woman. I've tried counseling here in Montana and the psychs look at me with religious disgust and don't know what to say. I need help before I go nuts. Any suggestions as a good city to live and meet friends as a woman?
Andrea
Dear Andrea:
The San Francisco Bay Area is a wonderful place to live, but then I'm prejudiced. I live there and find that attitudes are fairly liberal. But don't be confused. There can be ugliness anywhere. The attitudes you experienced in Montana can and do exist everywhere. They may be just more prevalent there. Portland or Seattle? Sure, why not. My suggestion to be to go where the jobs are.
You may not want to be too quick to throw your "boy" clothes away. As wrong as it is, women still don't fair as well as guys in the business world. And a transsexual? Well, you may not find too many open arms, no matter where you go. Don't cut your options too soon. You can always transition (make it sound easy, huh?) on the job AFTER you have established credibility. I wish it were not this way, but...... life is not always fair. Rachael
ear Rachael:
It has finally time for me to start reaching out to other people. I have denied my
urge to cross-dress most of my life. I am 49 years old and other than the last
couple of years I have rarely cross-dressed. The fantasies and dreams have always
been there. I have decided it is time to also find a good therapist and would
welcome any suggestions you have. I live in Santa Clara. All my cross-dressing
activities have been strictly at home when I am alone. I have finally come to
accept that it is not something that will go away. I hope some day to be able to
accept it as a gift instead of a curse. I would appreciate any suggestions you
have.
Daria
Dear Daria:
It sounds like you are beginning to accept your feminine self as a legitimate human being, rather than someone to kept hidden in the closet, i.e., your curse. You are on the right road, hon. The fact that you wish to explore this with a therapist tells me that you really have your act together . . . or soon will have, smile. You are headed towards self acceptance and happiness . . . good luck!
Here are therapists in your area ( We are neighbors ). There are others as well.
Mildred Brown, Ph.D. ( Maintains a wonderful reputation )
Sex Therapy & Education
Gender Identity Counseling
800 Pollard Rd, Suite B207
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408-249-2205
Gianna Israel
She can be contacted at (415) 558-8058
P.O. Box 424447
San Francisco, CA 94142
or via e-mail at:
Gianna@wco.com.