Transgender Action Online

SarahEL

Administrator

From: Minnesota

Registered: 2023-03-09

Posts: 170

Website

Navigating Transition: The Value of Time and Circumstance

Transitioning has been a profound and deeply personal journey for me, a process of self-discovery and authenticity that allowed me to align my gender identity with my outward expression. As I reflect on my own experience, I have come to believe that dedicating a couple of years to transition, including approximately 12 months of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) beforehand, has been instrumental in my personal growth. Additionally, the unexpected arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic during my transition brought an unforeseen silver lining: it provided a unique opportunity to navigate different aspects of my transition at a pace that suited me.

For me, transitioning was never meant to be a race. It was a transformative journey that required time, patience, and self-reflection. Allowing myself a couple of years to navigate through the various stages of transition has been invaluable. It provided me with the necessary space to learn, grow, and fully embrace my evolving identity.

HRT has played a significant role in my transition. The decision to embark on hormone replacement therapy was not one I took lightly, as it marked a crucial step in aligning my physical self with my inner truth. Understanding that the effects of HRT can take time, I embarked on this path with patience and perseverance.

Over the course of approximately 12 months of HRT, I witnessed gradual physical changes that affirmed my true self. This gradual process allowed me to adjust emotionally and psychologically to my evolving self-image. It provided a solid foundation for me to embrace my authentic identity and face the world with newfound confidence.

While I firmly believe that a couple of years can greatly benefit the transitioning process, I recognize that everyone's circumstances are unique. Financial constraints, personal responsibilities, and various other factors can make dedicating multiple years to transition unfeasible or impractical for some individuals. It is important to respect and support each person's individual journey, understanding that flexibility is necessary to accommodate diverse needs and circumstances.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, although incredibly challenging for the world, brought unexpected blessings to my personal transition journey. As the world went into lockdown and social distancing became the norm, I found myself in a situation that allowed me to focus on different aspects of my transition separately. The reduced social interaction provided a respite from public scrutiny and gave me the space I needed to concentrate on specific elements of my transition, such as HRT, voice and presentation The separation of different aspects of my transition during this time allowed for a more manageable and gradual process. I was able to explore and embrace physical changes without the added pressures of societal expectations. It provided an opportunity for me to delve deeper into my emotional and psychological well-being, nurturing a sense of self-acceptance and resilience.

My personal journey through transition has reinforced the belief that allowing myself a couple of years, including 12 months of HRT, has been instrumental in my growth and self-discovery. It provided me with the necessary time to navigate the complexities of transitioning and embrace my authentic identity.

Flexibility and understanding are essential in supporting individuals who may need to expedite their transition or face unique challenges along the way. Ultimately, the goal should be to foster a society that respects and supports everyone's autonomy in navigating their own transition, creating an environment where all individuals can thrive and live authentically.

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Sarahel-slang term: Coming from the Gewada region language in Ethiopia
-when two people are very close friends, it is said to be Sarahel
Ex. Those two really love each other, they are sarahel