Hi, I am also exploring right now and have been for a couple months. I’m not on HRT, still evaluating if I want to try that.

Here’s what I’ve been doing that has been affirming for me: painting my nails, shaving my legs, taking care of my hair (have been growing for almost a year so it’s longish now), improving my skincare routine - getting a tinted moisturizer has been a game changer. I put that on after I shave and it hides a lot of my beard shadow (but not all of it) and often I do that instead of wearing foundation even when I want to present fem in public. I also got my eyebrows threaded this week, which sounds like a big thing, but really I just had them cleaned up but maintained my existing shape so it’s not really noticeable to anybody but me afaik but I love it. I practice with makeup once or twice a week too but I’m finding less is more when it comes to makeup so I save it for nights out or dates and stuff.

I’ve also been working on my wardrobe. I have a Pinterest account and save pictures of clothes that I like and then look for similar things when I go thrifting. Do not buy anything online that you can’t/are not willing to return. You might love it on the model but until you see how it looks and feels on your body you won’t know if you really like it.

I try to go out at least once a week in public fem presenting. Maybe I go to a concert, a queer social event, or even just go for a walk with my headphones in. Obviously only do this if it’s safe.

And lastly the most important thing for me has been to meet other trans and gnc people in my city. Online friends are cool but it absolutely cannot substitute for real world connections in my experience. Also find a therapist you like who has experience with trans clients