iamcapricious @Riah @Deepa @AnuLuna @Aruna @Honey
Hi all,
I so agree with you, @iamcapricious ! Here is what I had written on another forum, to ask for help [similar to this thread]:
"For me to even begin HRT (androgens, T-blockers, estrogen), I need to publicly live at least 3 months as a woman. While I cannot wait, what baffled me is the explanation as provided by the therapist and SoC. They need me to do this so I can experience what society is like for a woman.
<<< I cannot possibly experience that! As of now, I may be a petite male, but I will only experience what society is like for a man dressed as a woman! >>>
That's very different from what a woman will experience? How does this even compare? Shouldn't I begin HRT, and once I can pass reasonably (who decides this though?), then I can live publicly full time as a woman for a more comparative experience? In this scenario, I feel I am putting myself at much greater risk than if I were to do this after a little time spent on HRT?"
The sentence in <<<>>> exactly what I told the therapist right then as well. I do not understand how one is supposed to understand what RLE will be like, when basically crossdressing in public? I don't know if there is a more diplomatic way to state it but wouldn't RLE before HRT be basically this?
Also, I have tried to prepare myself for this already - I have grown my hair, also started laser for facial [so expensive ? ], tried to wax, I have a naturally high voice, so I guess that is little OK, and I am not too built - so I look trim [I take effort to eat right, and not become heavy]. But AFTER all this, when I walk out, people can look at me and still say Sir. I am lucky, sometimes in the night an auto guy or someone will say Ma'am because they cannot make out. This makes me very very happy. But in daylight? With makeup and all, if I am "clocked", what then? This is India.
@Honey RLE is very much still a rule. I have to do this BEFORE I begin my HRT, according to my therapist. The psysch counselling/ evaluation has already happened/ is in process, but that cannot be done in place of RLE. I don't know if anyone else has a different experience? Please do share.
I agree with Saranya too - as much as possible, since we have to do this, we must prepare ourselves for RLE - facial, hair growing, learn how to blend in - clothes, makeup etc.
I wish us all best of luck and success on this journey!
Lana
