Transitioning early in life: Denise's advice

(ed. note: I've changed her name to protect her privacy-- A)

3 SMARTEST THINGS I DID :

STARTING AS YOUNG AS I DID ........ it was tough ,could be in either category , i was at an age where i didnt have many choices and i did what i had to do to survive , i dont regret any of it , i am just glad girls have more options now ............

GETTING MY NAME CHANGED ..........i had it done while i was in CALIFORNIA , about 20 some years ago , with the help of a great doctor and an unbelievably kind staff at the DMV out there .......

MEETING GREAT FRIENDS .........this is one i think we dont all think of as one of the greatest parts of starting our new lives .. we get to choose our "new" families and friends , and they are usually girls just like us .........and it just makes it all a bit easier having someone by your side who understands ... i am one who believes we NEED one another , and going as some say "STEALTH" only robs them of some really good friends and a support system that will pull them through anything .......... My girlfriends who are my FAMILY are everything to me, i wouldnt give them up for anyone or anything .........

3 THINGS I WISH ILD DONE DIFFERENTLY:

I WISH I COULDVE STAYED IN SCHOOL..........and graduated as DAPHINY .....i went back and got my G.E.D. later and even went to some college .........i just wish i wouldve had this option .....from the get go ....

I WISH I WOULDNT HAVE HAD TO HAVE GROWN UP ON BOURBON STREET...........i wouldnt recommend it for any young girl .....you learn at a young age that most people , men and other girls like us , are all too willing to use up your youth and inexperience to their own financial and/or perverted gains ......

I WISH I COULDVE HELD OFF THE DRUG USE ......................... it seems to go hand in hand with what and how i grew up and the time , the early 80s ......it almost got the better of me many times , but somehow i survived .....

Send me your thoughts, links, and advice!

If you transitioned in your teens or twenties and have any advice you'd like to share, please contact me , and I'll give it a permanent (and anonymous) home.