[GoneGirl]

I'm prepared psychologically to build a new life around my transition if that is what's required. I hope I'm accepted as Clara, though, so that my family remains an important part of my life, but if I'm rejected, so be it. The only person who really matters to me is my wife, and she is with me all the way.

My guess is that I'll be tolerated by my family in the short term, and gradually be embraced for who I have always been.

Clara

I don't think I am (yet?) prepared to build an entirely new life. Beyond my overriding love of my wife, who presently remains on an ambivalent seesaw in respect of my GI, I owe a great responsibility to the 'ready made family' that I took on when I invited her to join me in Canada nearly 35 years ago. I also can't see the medical profession as being keen to take on the responsibility of facilitating transition of someone of my age with my medical history.

I understand your reasoning, Annie. At what point does it stop making sense to transition based on one's age? I'm not far behind you in age and I have asked myself that question may times. My head says one thing --forget it, dude-- while my heart says another --go for it, princess...lol. I, fortunately, am in good health and have a family history of long life, so even my rationale mind admits that living another 20 years with GD is not the answer.

The U.S. medical system, for all its faults, is a blessing for me, as well. We have far few hurdles to jump to begin treatment by HRT than you folks in Canada. As long as you can pay for it, of course.

Clara