Introduction - Lauren5158

Hi, all! Like a lot of others, I am shy about getting started. But the best way to get started is to take the first step. So here goes...

I'm AMAB, 74 yo. Knew who and what I was at 7 yo. But, hid it from my family, friends and co-workers. Shame and guilt, and then concerns about my professional status, in a male-dominated industry, kept me from being open and honest and authentic in my everyday life. Now retired, I am beginning to change and turn my whole life around.

Looking back now, I wish I never would have worried about the things that kept me from presenting and living as my authentic self. Quoting a line from a song: "...got a long ways to go and a short time to get there..."

I want to and will savor every moment I now have left as I live as my authentic self.

 

Welcome Lauren!!;-)

 

Thank you, Sailor! Looking forward to new friendships!

 

Welcome Lauren! reaching retirement age tends to free one's inner self! Many happy days to you!

 

Thank you, Dianne(with 2 nn's)!Life is just as hectic as before retirement! The great difference is that the "hecticness" is filled with my choices, whims, wants, and "needs"!

 

Welcome from North Carolina.

 

Thank you, Piobaire!

 

Hi Lauren. Thank you for recounting your own story here. I remember when I was in my early teens I fretted because I believed I was the only boy on this planet with these feminine inclinations. It’s a pity that we couldn’t have known more back then when we felt so isolated and guilty. Might have helped us make our way along a different path. But alas, it is what it is… Nice to meet you.

 

Welcome ... I'm sensing another Jerry Reed fan out there
Enjoy the stay. Like the Guitar man said ... "When you Hot, You Hot!"

 

Welcome Lauren