As I often do when I find something on the internet that covers a subject of interest far better than I ever could, I link to it. Here is one such example.

https://transequality.org/issues/resources/frequently-asked-questions-about-transgender-people

This is a page on the "Advocate For Trans Equality" site and it explains in an understandable way, what it means to be transgender, how to know if you're transgender, and various nuances of the term and its real-life connotations.

The fact is, being transgender is complicated. There is no one sure way of defining a transgender person. Is it simply the feeling inside that you are a different gender than the one you were assigned at birth? Does it have to include gender dysphoria as one of its indicators? Can you be transgender and never undergo hormone replacement therapy or surgery?

I wish there was a simple way of explaining to others how you know you are transgender. I've known it since childhood, even though I could never act upon it at the time. But for others, it is a growing realization experienced over time. And whether you present as your true gender via surgery, or HRT, the way you speak, or just by the way you dress, each is validating and an expression of the commitment that you've made.

The amorphous quality of the term "transgender," is part of the reason why many of us in our community have difficulty interacting with others, be they trans or cis. It is hard to make friends or get close to someone when you aren't even sure you fully know yourself. I get it, and that is a major part of the reason why I started this subreddit.

I wish I knew ALL of you personally. I wish I could take you ALL to lunch and have a chat. I want you ALL to know that I am here for you, via messaging or email ([email protected]) should you want to vent, or just talk about nothing in particular. Sometimes even that can mitigate your anxiety and open you up to friendships and personal relationships.

I'm here if you want to talk.

--- Anni