cross-posted from: https://lemmygrad.ml/post/11110393
I don't know when I am going to start HRT exactly immediately when I come back. I am in a trans group therapy, erm, group. I have done about 10 sessions so far.
I wanted to do HRT by the end of 2026. A friend in Oklahoma wants me to start now and seems a bit insistent about it, which makes me uneasy because I want it to be solely my choice, and I don't want to feel like I'm pressed into it. Frankly, I do want to not just do DIY, but also through "official" channels. Also, I don't know if I will use a syringe, but idk. Maybe I will take a pill instead or use gel, idk. A pill would be ideal but it's apparently not as strong or not as effective. So, of course, I should get used to the idea of syringes (even though I hate syringes along with surgery and, well, anything related to "body horror").
I came out to my Mom (for the third time, mind you) and she seemed a lot more supportive of it each time.
My two brothers don't know, including one who is in particular very rightwing and racist (he has pale skin, I have brown skin). I might get a pepper spray can and attach it to a keychain, just in case, which I am afraid might escalate things but I also need something to defend myself with against two people that are stronger than me, if or when I inevitably cross them. So, uh, yeah, we'll see what happens.
I might have to cut ties with the other half of my family now (Mom's side). Ties with my Dad's side have been largely cut off since the divorce, good riddance (Dad was or is an abuser and my two siblings are loyal to him). Might have to say goodbye to my Babanne since she won't understand either, I think.
Anything else I should know before I start? The LGBTQ+ community in Virginia is hella small, divided, and, honestly, a bit confused politically. So yeah, my possible circle of friends will probably shrink by, well, a lot.
Ah well. It is what it is.
If you have any resources on DIY in Virginia that I may miss or might be obscure, let me know! Cheers!