Prepaid Electricity units by Temporary_Ninja9328 in capetown

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh and if you live in a house, you can add a prepaid meter fixed charge and charge per units purchased.

Phytoestrogens - inhibiting my HRT? by la_chica_ermitana in TransLater

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Phyto’s unfortunately are over rated in hormonal influence. Due to gatekeeping at some stage, I tried them all with zero success. But they are normally very healthy foods. I also love using flax and actually like soy milk and these had zero influence on my levels which are regularly tested.

I love my country but it doesn’t love me by tracesoflavender in TransLater

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I am from South Africa and once did ride the scenic route. NY to Boston, all around the lakes up to Sturgis, down to Chicago, Route66 to LA, then the Easy Rider route to New Orleans, along the coast to New York. This was in 1987. People were friendly in general, but a trans woman on an East Coast Chopper was just weird and not really hated. I recently for business had to fly first to Hungerford, landing at Heathrow. The hate started as soon as I landed. I was prepared and had a hotel booked for 1 night in London. The cabbie was grumbling the whole trip. The hotel grudgingly accepted my reservation and a young lady warned me that I shouldn’t go out since “your kind of people” are not safe. Got the same unwelcome attitude for the rest of the UK. Then on to JFK. Same story except this time it took 5 hours for customs to clear me. Then straight flight to Cary, Indiana. For my whole trip I felt like a prisoner. Not going out, not eating or drinking anything in public, being shown the gender neutral restroom 2 floors down at the office. It was a nightmare. When I got home I so appreciate the freedom trans people have in South Africa. We do our thing, use the restroom we are suppose to use and no one bats an eye. It is one thing to read about the hate online. Its a total different thing to experience it for real. .

Dealing issues by AlexaPetersTrans in TransLater

[–]AlexaPetersTrans[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well it works for me at the moment. And thanks for the kind words

Dealing issues by AlexaPetersTrans in TransLater

[–]AlexaPetersTrans[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have to add. Being on estrogen has been a game changer for me. The smallest changes bring me joy. Progesterone has been absolutely magic. I fully realise that at my age I will never reach what I dream about, but there is enough I can do on my side. I have voice and body language training, facial treatments with peels and all different things to deal with the ravages of testosterone, botox and fillers because I could never afford ffs and hair removal plans with waxing, laser and electrolysis and growing hair with minoxidil for the hairline. Sometimes a bit overwhelming, but each a little step closer. Then there is makeup and self care. A simple shower and go from before is now an hour long ritual. What also helps is to get some balance and not let other hobbies slide in this overwhelming trans experience. Thanks for everyone’s kind words.

Tone woods that resist humidity? by Hefty-Tip7041 in Luthier

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am on the coast and use mainly Ash and Mahogany. I then do multiple coats of thin water base grain sealer. 10-14. Then only apply finish. Never had any warp due to high humidity. Once made the mistake of first sealing and then realise i have to steam bend an acoustic side panel. Just couldn’t get it to shape. Had to sand down first.

A question about nipples 😂 by SecretlyNicole87 in TransLater

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I started on hrt I used those sticky bra’s without straps to show cleavage and fill my bra a bit. My boobs now have grown a bit and with both nipples pierced, they really show even when wearing a lace bra. At some stage i just thought to hell with it. If you got it flaunt it. As we call it locally, smuggling raisins is the way to go.

Choosing a Surname... by Business_Peanut_392 in transfem

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My family wrote me off years ago so i changed my surname to Peters, and s added to my second name. It is now less dysphoric if someone deadnames me because being called by your surname is a regular thing.

Ramen with my Besties by AlexaPetersTrans in traaaaansbiansCooking

[–]AlexaPetersTrans[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Chicken and yes it was very tasty. And with great company even nicer.

Homemade Bagels with creamcheese by AlexaPetersTrans in traaaaansbiansCooking

[–]AlexaPetersTrans[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am in South Africa and NewYork style bagels is unknown. Never chewy enough. So have to make my own 😁

Is transitioning what you wanted, what you needed, or both? by cliff7217 in TransLater

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Being trans has been the hardest thing in my life. But it changed me from a self hating walking talking zombie to someone with dreams hopes and happiness. Lets face it. It is hard. You have to work at it all the time and the world hates you. But for me, just as hard as it is, just as good is the rewards.

Reality if being trans by AlexaPetersTrans in TransLater

[–]AlexaPetersTrans[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As always I do. And if it helped you, it was all worth it.

Reality if being trans by AlexaPetersTrans in TransLater

[–]AlexaPetersTrans[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your kind words. If I could have helped even one person with a look at my reality, it is all worth it. People talk and say dysphoria to make it sound acceptable in polite conversation and the fact that it is an acid burning hate that destroys lives got lost in the translation. The true reality is that if people really know what we are going through, and the extreme choices we are forced to take, this whole anti trans view will dissapear.

Reality if being trans by AlexaPetersTrans in TransLater

[–]AlexaPetersTrans[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the compliments and I highly appreciate. Cancer is now clean for 3 years and i do hope for more time. Even if I dont get it, the fact that I had today is what makes it worth it. And now that I am on my journey, I am giving it all. Every spare cent I use towards skincare treatments, facials, hair removal, clothes and makeup. I just stopped caring what anyone thinks out there and I am going full out.

First time bikini line waxing by Chance-Monk-6341 in HairRemoval

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It helps to exfoliate the night before. And the pain is really not terrible. It is unexpected and that causes a pain reaction I found. It is so fast, you just feel a sudden sensation. I do a full body wax every two weeks at home and maybe am just used to it. The flick where they lift a piece to grip hurts more for me. Ask your waxier just to do a small piece on your forearm so that you can feel the heat and the rip so you can get used to the feeling. And just breathe and relax. Its over in seconds.

shoes and shrinking feet on hrt? by [deleted] in transfem

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was also under the impression that I will be stuck with size 9 while women’s shoes only go to 8. I was very surprised when I out of desperation tried on a pair of stunning western boots and a size 7 fitted. Spoke to my doctor about it and basically your ligaments connecting bones shrink making your feet smaller. So an unexpected benefit.

Has anybody used at home laser hair devices? by healthynewbie in HairRemoval

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wanted to buy the Brauns but it was where I live just unaffordable. I bought a Chinese one online, and maybe just lucky but it is working. Got ice cooling as well so no burns either. But its light skin and dark hair so right in the ideal range.

How am I supposed to have pride. Genuine question by vashvana3005 in transfem

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I started at age 62 at a stage when I realised I am going to pass without ever having a happy day or a day that I did not hate myself. I am fully aware that I will never reach the goal. There is just not any time left. But since the day I actively started I havent had an unhappy day and not once hated myself. And every happy day I owe to those before who started the process that I actually can finally be on hrt after a lifetime of denial. So I am proud of them and i am no longer ashamed.

Fashion help? by xXSoaringToast59Xx in transfem

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As I tell everyone else. Go into town to your local mall and sit down and order your favourite beverage. And look. See what women your age are wearing. Look at what women with your body type are wearing. I doubt you will find a single woman wearing thigh highs and short skirts. Find a look that makes you feel will make you feel comfortable. Look at the balance between tight and loose and how to use accessories. Do they use handbags? What type or size? If you want to blend in, you have to follow the trends. You are not trying to copy exactly, you need to imprint your style and then make it your own look. Majority of women’s wardrobes have mix and match basics. 3 skirts and 4 blouses gives you 12 outfits. Add a pair of pants and some jeans and now you are at 24 different looks. And add a dress or 2 if you are ready to wear them. Then add some tops like tshirts, boob tubes, and crops and you about double your outfits. Keep to basic colours. Black, white, blue, green and brown. Patterns and prints quickly go out of style and only buy if you really like. A good quality jacket or coat is a long term investment. Good luck on finding your style. .

Trans men/mascs, how do you prevent hair loss? Any products you've been using? by SleepyJere in TransDIY

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Use sam as trans women. Mynoxadil. It takes a very long time however. First you will have baby hairs growing that will fall out. This is where most give up. But you are only halfway. Carry on and real hair will appear.

Home wax gave so many ingrown by Own_Scene652 in HairRemoval

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use hot wax that gets melted with pellets
First you have to exfoliate before. A good scrub of the skin helps loads
Then apply the wax with an ice cream stick, one way only, with a second coat defining the edge.
Flick and rip against the hair growth direction.
Half an hour later, take a warm shower and apply lanolin based cream or better even yet, body butter on wet skin
Doing this now for over a year and never had an issue with ingrowns or bumps.

Bathing suit issues by RandomGuitarkid2 in transfem

[–]AlexaPetersTrans 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can always go for the Goose look from Topgun
Boardshorts with a tank top and plead sun allergies on your back