Gender why cant I be both?

[badtrany]

Ok so when I first joined SS I posted this question and didnt know myself that well and now I do Why do I have to be either male or female I feel both female and male Im happy being both I dont feel like I should be one or the other. Does anyone else feel the same? Or am I totally odd?

[trina2004]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genderqueer

[badtrany]

thanks Trina my Dr and shrink kept telling me to decide what gender I want to identify as and I said both they said that both is not an option I love having boobs and a dick it suits my personality so now I will tell them that Im gender queer.

[ensign-charlie]

No one has to have a single gender. Genderqueer, agender (no gender) and bigender are all an option. I certainly don't settle for one, because I feel comfortable in neither.

[SeaMist]

Both is a definite option! You might need to seek a new psych......

[wysi]

labels, labels.

tsk tsk.

can't you be you?

[SeaMist]

For a read on some of the possibilities I recommend "Finding the Real Me" by the lovely Tracie O'Keefe and Katrina Fox. Obtainable from any GLBTI bookstore....they're Australian too :-)

[EvilEmpress]

"both" or all genders?

[Matt Akersten]

Sorry, I've just seen this thread and I agree with you all... you should be able to call yourself whatever you wish, without unneccessary limitations.

Here's why it's more complicated than just creating new boxes to tick when creating profiles. It's important we here on Same Same can connect with Facebook to make new sign-ups easy, since that's how most people find and sign up with us these days.

Facebook's policy on male/female profiles is addressed here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-9978875-36.html

And unfortunately since we're tied together we have the same limitations, while also offering the same 'opt out'.

In the Edit Your Profile section you can 'opt out' of answering the gender question. It's in the middle of this page:

http://my.samesame.com.au/edit-details

Just select "Tick this box if you don't want your gender displayed on your samesame profile."

This will ensure no gender pronouns like 'his/her' will appear on your profile or during any part of your experience on our site.

I know... this won't please everyone, since some may want other specific options, but it seems it's the best we can do for now, and for that I'm sorry. It's not an easy fix. I'd love to have a range of options but we simply can't right now. Hopefully Facebook will advance its options on this and when they do we'll quickly update our coding to match.

[wysi]

you still haven't shown us your giant thingy. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:britishexpats.com/get/forum/images/smilies/sneaky.gif

[badtrany]

who Matt or me?

[bre123]

Mostly ladies are going for it. May be they thinks its fun to do. You can do it and it will change your whole personality.

[Kaleb]

During embryonic development a foetus develops for sometime as neither gender hence the developments of nipples in men, however determination of gender in utero occurs following the release of androgen like factors whic promote either male or female development, in identical twins subtle changes in levels of these factors have resulted in one twin being heterosexual whilst the other gay, perhaps in those who relate with both genders there may be some incomplete expression of genes determining the psychological basis of gender? I have not seen any clinical trials to support this but with further research in endocrinology & it's developmental effects on the human psyche there may be some link predisposing some people to identify with both genders?

[Princess_Renee]

You can be both, but more importantly you need to be happy being you. We don't all fit into the 'cookie cutter' lifestyle which unfortunately the majority lead. From experience it's hard presenting as both genders and often attracts unnecessary or unwanted attention...

[MyBoyFreindIsGay]

You can be both!

Rejoice! many men love a TG with a doodle.

Cheers

[badtrany]

You can be both!

Rejoice! many men love a TG with a doodle.

Cheers

and where are all these men?

[SeaMist]

They're everywhere lol. Unfortunately if you are ts rather than tg they love you for a part of your body you are not fond of, so it doesn't work out well, but if you identify as both then you're in for a good time :-) There are dating and porn sites exclusivley for tg women but prepare to be objectified! Most guys won't see the real you through the fantasy.

[mostlynice]

no, you're not odd. i relate in some way... not that i'm both. more like i'm neither.
i do like the feminine and the masculine traits

all the best to you

[Nemesis]

I relate to being female. I always have. But that's just my perspective and realise that others do not always feel the same and sometimes feel both. I think the one most important thing in life is to be happy being "you". No matter who "you" define yourself as. We get so many labels forced on us in this life that we shouldn't add our own labels to try and be happy.

[Princess_Renee]

I relate to being female. I always have. But that's just my perspective and realise that others do not always feel the same and sometimes feel both. I think the one most important thing in life is to be happy being "you". No matter who "you" define yourself as. We get so many labels forced on us in this life that we shouldn't add our own labels to try and be happy.

I feel exactly the same way and it's been something I've battled with for years trying to understand and rationalise why I felt that way. I simply hate(d) being male and found no real connection with it apart from the 'act' I portrayed to others as I tried to live my life.
Unfortunately society utilize and promote labels to allow easy classification and where something may not 'fit' it is often questioned or feared. If you feel comfortable or strong enough to be 'you' in spite of these lables then you should live a very happy life.

[megawatts]

I don't feel entirely female, and I haven't for pretty much all my life, but it's only been this week that I've managed to pinpoint that feeling and name it. Sometimes I feel more male, and sometimes I feel like both, and sometimes neither.
Damn society and their labels.

[mostlynice]

i think i would be happier if i had a female body.. life would be so much easier
i think

[Princess_Renee]

I often feel both too, some days more male than female and other days vice versa. I think it's best to embrace and explore these feelings so to not limit oneself. We already have to do that enough simply from society ideals and expectations.

In saying that, personally I feel representing myself to the outside world as female is best for me even though I'm therefore categorized...

Btw, mostynice; are you not taking steps to obtain a female body?

[mostlynice]

i really dont know, what if im wrong?
what would be the first step?

it's not ideal, but i'm used to this

[badtrany]

i really dont know, what if im wrong?
what would be the first step?

it's not ideal, but i'm used to this

First talk to your Dr they may be able to refer you to a gender specialist. Or contact the nearest sexual health clinic they should be able to point you in the right direction.

ps hormone therapy is reverseable. good luck

[Princess_Renee]

PS. I had initial reservations and was forced to come out after my girlfriend at the time, thought it would take the heat from her own behaviour.

Anyway, after building up the courage to firstly make an appointment and then attend a doctor about it, I began the process. To date this has involved, blood tests, counseling and referral to the Southern Health/Monash Gender Clinic.

A few months later I was referred to Dr Fintan Harte, a psychiatrist. I was very hesitant and worried when I stated attending but made a promise to myself to simply be open and honest. Following 5 sessions with Dr Harte (many of which were very personal and tiring) I received a letter authorizing hormones.

Now, 6 months later, I've been out as 'me' quite a few times and have really enjoyed, embraced the experience. My body has clearly begun changing and I wake up each morning simply to check myself in the mirror ;-)

I feel a lot happier internally and physically feel energized like never before, but also 'alive.' Like I am more connected now with everything around me. It's hard to describe

To be honest, I've questioned and second guessed myself many times but found as I progress, things get easier, apart from how family and friends may react. As time has passed, I've also formed a resilience to 'potential criticism' which empowers me to venture further each time, whether hair, makeup, mannerisms; clothing, shoes, whatever.

This process provided me a grounding point, which I've used to assess myself and direction. Simply being able to be 'me,' present as such and mingle with other girls as one feels completely normal (like the first time I wore heels only recently) and brings me happiness that I simply cannot put into words.

It's very daunting at the beginning but once you take that first step, it should become easier and like me, you will be able to assess whether you feel happy or comfortable progressing.

From my experience hormones are reversible to a degree, however I feel it gave me a taste of what being 'female' in terms of physiology feels like. It has also opened my mind and made me want the change more which leads to secondary characteristics, like breasts. These may or may not be reversible.

One very important factor I forgot to add was the 'ongoing battle' I had, or feeling of not being 'right' has subsided and as such I can now focus more clearly and begin to enjoy life :D

Food for thought and hope this helps a little :-)

Oh and yes, good luck and enjoy it, even if just for a short while ;-)

[badtrany]

I was living as a woman for a year before I started hormones wearing a bra stuffed with cups from a smaller padded pushup bra walking around town in womens clothes with long painted nails and my handbag. Ive always had long hair so I didnt need a wig. I didnt care what people thought or said cause I was happy, now I have boobies Im even happier. I use to want gender realignment surgery but since Ive grown boobies I love me the way I am. (I know the doctors call it gender reassignment but I prefer realignment because it aligns your mental and physical gender)

[mostlynice]

:)
had a few issues where i couldnt post on the forums for a couple of days.

thanks so much for sharing your stories, i know my doctor is going to freak out but the more i think about it the more i want it.

Renee, i understand what you mean perfectly, or as good as my imagination goes...

i dont know how far i will go, but now i know the direction

[Princess_Renee]

Just to add, I used to dress too well before I started the hormone process. It felt like I was meant to and made me happy at the same time. When I was forced into facing my demons, I went to a special doctor rather than my existing family doctor, simply for privacy and understanding.

I found it a very big task to come out with it officially. I'd been raised in a strict, regimented household; I'd even played dad so it felt like I was letting not only myself down, but everyone else at the same time.

I love the way my body is progressing now and like badtranny, boobs are great. Mine are still on the up and up, get rather sore at times, but new pleasure zone, yes please!! :D

I initially used to think that if I could just present as 'me' a female and be accepted as such; that would do. I've always been fairly straight with sex, in the heterosexual man/woman sense, but after 6 months on hormones; I've been having some great fantasies about men making me a woman. Who would've thought ;-)

[mostlynice]

he he, who would have thought :)

do you mean like a gender specialist type doctor? i would have no issues discussing this with my Gp, the reason i havent done so as yet is because my work time conflicts with his.. long story short - i'll exagerrate and say that i have no patience. I just want to get started.
Just thinking about it has had a positive impact on my life - i cant explain it.
have been trying to find some hormones online for a little while now, but there are so may options and opinions it is hard to decide.
Renee, can u share more details on your journey? how did u get started on your own?

btw. i'm a little surprised, were you expecting to be a lesbian? I have similar thoughts, but i know that wont happen :)

[badtrany]

Don't get hormones online. You need to see the proper Dr to get the right ones for you.

[mostlynice]

ohhh *pout*

[SeaMist]

ohhh *pout*

Read your mail!

[mostlynice]

:D:eek::rolleyes::p

yabadabadooooooo!!!

[Princess_Renee]

As I said, easy and rather quick but dangerous and if you want to be it, don't waste it before you get there.

For eg, I was on 200mg Spiractin and 2mg Estrofem, lowering my testosterone to 2.1. I self medicated which I shouldn't have done. This cost me 2 months when I finally got my letter to authorize hormones legally. I was then placed back on 200mg Spiractin and 2mg Progynova however this gave me a reading of 5.5. Highlighting it wasn't working effectively; but I wouldn't have known that without proper tests. I also could have overdosed my system on the Estrofem; which could've led to cancer or death.

The dosage is related to body size, existing testosterone level, blood pressure; not to mention alcohol, drug and cigarette intake.

If you are based in Melbourne, try Northside Clinic or Prahran Market Clinic. Highlight that you're going to take illegally if they don't prescribe, that may see them give you a temporary prescription until such time where you visit a psychiatrist.

Much love and take care of yourself :-)

[mostlynice]

thanks so much SeaMist - that's a wealth of information in one spot you've given me!!!!


im in sydney, will be trying the gender center in petersham

the more i research the more terrified i feel..

dont worry, i'm a Registered Nurse thus a little skeptical about the medical profession and im not going out with a pulmonary embolism :)

kiss kiss

[SeaMist]

Princess Renee is right about the testing. The idea is to take the right hormone for you and to introduce enough anti androgen to drop testosterone to normal female levels. The estrogen itself also acts as an anti androgen but is rarely enough to drop testosterone to where it should be. What I have found is that each endo seems to have their own 'recipes' which they know work but which may or may not be optimal for the individual person. FYI There are sites that will give you standard dosage recommended for a transwoman. These are not related to the dosages on the pack as they relate to hormone replacement therapy and many of the studies on hormones do not relate well to trans women either. Even the common adage that your hormone levels should be in normal female range is often debated as these levels may be insufficient to trigger 'feminisation' of your body. Higher levels need to be balanced against well known health risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In my particular circumstances I was very well researched (if I am anything it's a very good researcher lol) before I started hormones and was surprised when the local endo just wanted to stick me on the pill. Cheap and effective but the worse kind of estrogen for DVT, especially at my age. I changed doctor to one that would prescribe patches ( the least risk of complications) and haven't looked back. Personally I don't like the way the medical profession holds you to ransom before you can obtain hormones by script. I know they have to to cover their own backsides but really it's too gatekeeperish. "You have jumped through all my hoops and I will prescribe hormones now" Yes, I know they have to check (appropriately) for serious mental health issues but really mostly we know who we are and if you are wanting to change your body, well, it's gone waaaay past crossdressing hasn't it. And for those who are bigendered it's much harder to get a 'yes' from your gatekeeper. Having said all of that I DID take the official route......but I did have a back up supply *smiles*.

[mostlynice]

hi,
of course she is right, i do realise that, please dont get me wrong.
my research has just begun and so far i understand the hormone balancing act. and the patches seem to be the best choice healthwise..
i just want to be very prepared and not just held hostage by a doctor to experiment with, not only that, i want to do as much as i can myself.
i WILL take the official route, but not in an ignorant manner.

im really really scared, but i dont feel there is a choice now.

thanks everyone for your kind comments :)

[SeaMist]

hi,


im really really scared, but i dont feel there is a choice now.



Be not afraid. There can be a bit of adjustment but for me it was OMG this feels just soooooo good. I'm remembering back to my first hormone flush. Patch recommended dosages start at 50ug then 100ug then 200 ug (2 x 100). Estrodot has better adhesion than Estraderm and are smaller.

Enjoy. :-)

Being trans is like slaying a series of dragons. You have to confront each fear as it comes along and overcome it simply by facing it.
Is it worth it? Oh yes! Oh my, Yes!


Oh and watch out for the re - puberty...........

[Princess_Renee]

I'm with SeaMist; as I mentioned here somewhere this is my fourth time on hormones, but this time I'm official. I didn't like jumping through hoops but when I got that letter, I knew that I had satisfied professionals that I was the right candidate. I felt both happy and proud that despite adversity, I'd made it through.

Like you, Mostlynice, I was very scared when I first began taking estrogen; but I'd got to that stage where I had to know if they were right for me. I also felt I had to prove a point, if not to me, my significant other. I researched the dosage and began taking. The rush I felt was incredible, like every single cell in my body had suddenly come alive.

Unfortunately as life got in the way, and changes for that matter, I'd eventually stop. However this time, with proper support; I believe I can keep right on going. I slayed the initial seeking medical help dragon, addressed being forced out; now face transitioning full-time. Out of habit I already wear make up at some level every time I leave the house. My attire is mainly androgynous feminine, with basic tee-shirts... I just need to take that plunge - after I address my facial hair!

In just over 6 months, my body has already begun toning up, my waist higher, tummy now flat with the help of exercise; not to mention my skin which feels awesome. My boobies are growing and well sore, but I've noticed they are now a rather pleasurable fun zone. I've also begun 'noticing' and thinking about guys. Not to mention seeming picking up traits such as playing with my hair, sitting with my legs closed (never used to do that and hardly ever wear skirts!). That's just the beginning!

I think re-puberty is starting to hit as I've suddenly got acne here and there, not just sore boobs!!

[mostlynice]

re-puberty? omg, really looking forward to that :)

ready to slay some dragons.

Renee, what happened to you when you stopped taking hormones?

has anyone any experience with electrolysis?

[Princess_Renee]

Yes, round two, from the female side, however we don't get the periods :-/

I like dragon slaying now, it feels good!!

I'll be honest, I never wanted to feel this way and sought to create a 'normal' life. However that's not how it works. I felt a need to take those hormones and once I did, after a short while, felt very good indeed. When I stopped, as I tried to direct myself back to reality, or take control of myself; a number of things happened.

First of all, I began craving those hormones; really wanted them and had to force myself to stop. Unlike some I actually wanted to stay on but knew I for one reason or another that I couldn't. After that stage I felt what females would call similar to PMS/PMT, tired, achy and grumpy. This often lasted for a few days, perhaps a couple more. After my last really long bout, I also felt sad and well slightly confused for a while. A couple of weeks later I began to feel detatched from myself again, like a shell was placed around me, numbing my senses and ability to connect with the outside. I'd also notice my face become more oily once again and sweat, yes a bit of that.

Overall, nothing too bad; just your body switching over to a different kind of fuel I guess. Runs rough for a little while until the mixture is used up. If it was that bad I wouldn't have gone back on them again :-)

Electrolysis, ummm, no know some who have, permanent, yet very time consuming, expensive and painful. It involves needles and electricity; per each hair follicle. If your skin is light and hair dark, like me, laser is actually quite affective, quicker, cheaper and less painful. It does need touch ups every so often but can also help your skin. Just use sunscreen if heading out into the sun after a session.

[Princess_Renee]

Umm Nat, that's exactly it, a stage. I've done the same thing; though I will still wear on occassion. I'm not ready to be an old lady yet ;-)

I think it's letting your other side in control and well, they've missed the fun teen years, dressing up, playing round, flirting and having fun. I've got some short shorts, that well, don't cover a great deal. I used to wear them out at times too, when hot or to festivals, parties and such. There's been numerous times I've been checked out by gay men, it's just that I don't play that way :-/

[mostlynice]

thank you! that's some powerful stuff there

Yes, round two, from the female side, however we don't get the periods :-/

I like dragon slaying now, it feels good!!

I'll be honest, I never wanted to feel this way and sought to create a 'normal' life. However that's not how it works. I felt a need to take those hormones and once I did, after a short while, felt very good indeed. When I stopped, as I tried to direct myself back to reality, or take control of myself; a number of things happened.

First of all, I began craving those hormones; really wanted them and had to force myself to stop. Unlike some I actually wanted to stay on but knew I for one reason or another that I couldn't. After that stage I felt what females would call similar to PMS/PMT, tired, achy and grumpy. This often lasted for a few days, perhaps a couple more. After my last really long bout, I also felt sad and well slightly confused for a while. A couple of weeks later I began to feel detatched from myself again, like a shell was placed around me, numbing my senses and ability to connect with the outside. I'd also notice my face become more oily once again and sweat, yes a bit of that.

Overall, nothing too bad; just your body switching over to a different kind of fuel I guess. Runs rough for a little while until the mixture is used up. If it was that bad I wouldn't have gone back on them again :-)

Electrolysis, ummm, no know some who have, permanent, yet very time consuming, expensive and painful. It involves needles and electricity; per each hair follicle. If your skin is light and hair dark, like me, laser is actually quite affective, quicker, cheaper and less painful. It does need touch ups every so often but can also help your skin. Just use sunscreen if heading out into the sun after a session.

[mostlynice]

just waiting for the postman now :D:D:D:D

Patch (Aust)-3 24 Estradot 25mcg (Australian Product)

I think i'll just start with 25mcg, i supsect my testostorone has always been low, i dont even have an adams apple.

spironolactone i can access at work, im not sure about dosage there, will work it out when the patches arrive,
and unsure about progestins at this stage, mainly because it promotes breast development

does that sound ok? thoughts?

all i can say is : YAY!

[Princess_Renee]

Umm, you'll still be worth seeing a doc and getting a blood test. Whilst you can 'feel' different from slight alterations in hormone level; you won't have any indicator as whether too much or too little; and what your T level is in regards to E :-/

Did you buy local?

Please play it safe and yes, good luck :-)

I don't think I need Progestins as my rack has jumped from an A to B very quickly :D

[mostlynice]

Umm, you'll still be worth seeing a doc and getting a blood test. Whilst you can 'feel' different from slight alterations in hormone level; you won't have any indicator as whether too much or too little; and what your T level is in regards to E :-/
;) of course dear! what i think i'll do is when i have everything together i will talk to my own GP, he will get a shock im sure, and hold him hostage to do my blood tests, lol :) he's a good guy, it should be all good. i've also made contact with the gender center and i have a support person there i can call.

Did you buy local?[/I]

I got them online, was 50 odd dollors for 24 patches, express postage was 30$ which really sucks, so i went with 0$ free postage. (post from Vanuatu, shouldnt take too long)

[QUOTE=I don't think I need Progestins as my rack has jumped from an A to B very quickly :D[/QUOTE]
nice!!! btw, you look great in your avatar!

my son thinks i'm weird for doing this, lol, but i noticed he hugs me all the time now, instead of once every odd day,
all very super exciting!! :)

[Princess_Renee]

Ah yes, Inhouse? They're pretty good actually. Hmm, $50; my doc hasn't put me on them. Though my system has been very amenable to estrogen from the start :-) Possibly because of my age. I don't need to take much or for that long before I reach a good level and begin to feel effects. Now I've seen my inner self 'come out' many more times there is literally no reason for me to stop. I go back to uni next year which should be interesting. I'm hoping a little easier than transitioning at work.

Nat was telling me the same, along with my doc, nurse and psychiatrist in the past week. I just struggle to see it; don't get acceptance by my family at all, and well don't get to 'appear' as me all that often. That will change quite soon as like SeaMist said, I'm close to the point where I won't care enough to hold back. Also, being labelled a 'freak' by someone who was very, very close to me cut deep.

Think of your son as #1, you are soooo lucky. I almost got to that step but now whether I have children rests in the hands of fate. Kids are very good at seeing the real you simply because they haven't been too influenced by the wider world until older.

Much love coming your way and we're here if you have any doubts as you progress along. I've also got a Renee Facebook profile, PM me if you would like to connect up on that.

[mostlynice]

hi princess,
i honestly cant wait, im a freak, but now i will be a freak for everyone to see.lol
what are you doing at uni.. as far as easier it depends what degree youre doing, definitely so if its something humanitarian.

i'm really sorry to hear about the betrayal you've experienced, it's possibly better that it happened now not in 10 years time. i have experienced something similar, and it took me quite a few years to recover, in some ways i will never be the same. what i see clearly now is that the person who has betrayed me is a truly nasty piece of work - but love is blind.

I would love to add you on Facebook, but i cant. I dont really use it that much first of all, have about 15 friends on there and they are all family and relatives, i would still add you. but, the thing is, im being very careful here, and im hoping to keep it that way, the fact that this is almost anonymous for me, and i can really just blurt my feelings out, the most embarassing things, whatever. because im just a voice and a picture.
my skype is millusions if youre in a tight spot :)

kiss kiss :)

[Princess_Renee]

I've always been 'different' I guess and yes, labelled a freak and even liked being freaky. However when someone very close labels you as such, it's different and makes you question everything.

In the past I've always loved attention, standing aside from the crowd; being noticed. Now, I simply seek acceptance and to seemingly integrate with the opposite sex.

Love can indeed be blind; but people can also conceal their true selves. In a way I did it, hiding my real self away from the outside. She knew however, it was our secret. People also change.

I'm a little concerned that as you progress with HRT, it's good to have solid supports in place. I found this out very quickly as I began the hormone process. Your mood can change very quickly, you can question your motives or direction; anything. Fortunately despite my losses, I've had a few friends that I can rely upon. I never expected my family to turn against me in the way they have.

I essentially began a new FB for the person I seek to be and will gradually wind up my former profile. As you say, feelings; whatever can be expressed. Using FB I know exactly which group is able to read my thoughts and there is more chance of them responding either through FB, text, phone or in person. Whilst it can be anonymous using SameSame; there is no limit to who can respond nor any surety that any one of us will see your post or be online at that time.

Food for thought :-)

[mostlynice]

hi,

since i dont use FB all the much, i have setup a new FB account under the name of Hanna Hanka , i cant find it when i search from my 'normal' account. maybe it will take few hours to propagate? please add me!!

going shopping for an epilator tomorrow :)

[mostlynice]

FB = fbabka2@g mail.com


:D:D:D:D

[Princess_Renee]

ooh, epilator, painful to start then a little less after some use. Effective though; I have two :-/

[Crit]

I just want to be what I want to be when I want to be.

[Princess_Renee]

Unfortunately it's us as the minority that are pressured into conforming in a certain way. With that I mean, who we may see, where we may go, what we might appear like; how we will feel about ourselves...

Fortunately, esp. here in Aus there is a growing exposure to gender diversity... still far too little for my liking however.

[Nemesis]

Hi,
I haven't been around for a while, getting on with life as most people do. But I just want to ask people why they believe that gender = sexuality. It's just I've noticed some posters feel that transitioning genders may mean having to transition your sexuality also. Personally, I've always been attracted to men, even before I started transitioning. As I've always identified as female, for me it was "normal". But I've known some MTF who identify as lesbian and are still attracted to women. Please don't make the mistake the wider community (cis) does in thinking if you change your gender than it's only "normal" to change your sexuality. However you identify your gender as and whoever you are attracted to should be your decision based on how you really feel inside and one not based on what the wider (cis) community thinks it should be. Peace.

[Princess_Renee]

Welcome back Nemesis :-)

If I may add, utilizing a discussion I had with my psychiatrist, is that hormone use can affect sexuality and attraction. It certainly has during my treatment so far.

There are many factors which make up how each of us forms attraction, both mental and physical. Mental may be shaped by society as echoed by what Nemesis mentioned above, even family expectations. It is our choice to accept these as part of our mentality; however often hard undoing long-term 'conditioning' as I call it.

Physical can be broken down into the physicality of others we see, which in turn lead to mental and physical stimulus, the affects of chemicals, such as hormones; aiding arousal or the way our brain is wired or mapped by neurotransmitters.

The addition of alternate hormones during HRT turns on cells which were otherwise dormant. These cells are those that form the opposite sex and can interrupt or alter our brain maps and thus affect our response, arousal and the like. Pheromones, both created by each of us individually also change and those we receive from others.

Using myself as a case study, a number of factors have altered not only my sexuality but attraction. In the past I was purely heterosexual, male-female. I was raised in a very strict school under the careful watch of a successful, disciplined and conservative family. Being gay was frowned upon, together with being feminine, seen as sissy or nancy behavior.

However the more I progress, the more I find myself 'noticing' the opposite sex, firmly establishing myself as bi-sexual for the time being that is. Naturally my remaining family have responded in a negative matter, but my progress and happiness have acted as a benchmark confirming my direction as right for me.

When I discussed 'the change' with my psychiatrist, he raised much of the above; which I have also supplemented with my own studies on the topic. He also asserted that at present insufficient studies and data exist to appropriately establish evidence that hormones affect attraction however nearly all patients under his care have reported distinct changes.

Therefore, if you have an attraction to another, whether the same or opposite gender or sex, and you change gender your attraction may be affected however how you respond to this is totally up to you. You may accept the change, dismiss it or simply test the waters.

Naturally as highlighted by Nemesis, don't simply follow social expectations or how someone dictates you should live. Be yourself, be happy and live the life you want. It's your body after all and within reason, you have the exclusive right to change it as you see fit. After all, we only have one go at life. Be the person you truly deserve to be!