My transsexual transition timetable

See my overview on transition for thoughts on how to plan your transition.

It took me almost 4 years all told to have physically transitioned from start to finish. It would be difficult to do it much more quickly than that. The emotional aspects of transition continue for many years after the physical aspects are done.

I was able to adhere to the rough plan plan I laid out pretty closely. The key for me was keeping my job in order to pay for all this, so I waited until the last possible moment to transition at work. By the time I came out at work, I had few problems being accepted as female, which often makes it easier for others to accept. It also meant that if I were fired, I could interview in female mode without TS issues necessarily coming up as an issue. I believe this is extremely important.

I urge everyone to lay out a similar plan for transition, focusing on what's most important to you. In my case, I spent about a year after I came out hoping I could continue my relationship with my partner, but we eventually concluded that we didn't think that would work. During the time we tried to find a compromise, we agreed to what I would and wouldn't do. Once we decided to separate, I began working on physical changes in earnest.

Since most of us make our decisions based on financial constraints, I strongly recommend planning in terms of financial issues. See the table below for considerations as you put together a timetable.