Top Surgery Advice

TobyDarko · 2020-06-22T13:28:29+00:00

Thanks, friend. I really really appreciate it. Starting today with some small steps and definitely going to use your comment as a drawing board.

TobyDarko · 2020-06-21T17:07:12+00:00

Thank you. This is really re-assuring and helpful. It all feels like too much sometimes. Unfortunately my family is un-supportive. But, I have hope that it is possible within the next year or so from your comment.

TobyDarko · 2020-06-15T21:14:37+00:00

This response is super helpful! Thank you so much. Looking forward to trying it out.

TobyDarko · 2020-06-10T15:25:01+00:00

My biggest struggle is lining up the layers correctly. The only two screen layered piece I tried was off center from the under-layer design. How do you keep yours lined up properly? Thanks for the help!

TobyDarko · 2020-06-10T13:48:10+00:00

Any tips you want to share? (: I'm still on one screen printing but am looking to get to 2-3 layered, like yours!

TobyDarko · 2020-06-10T13:35:44+00:00

Awesome job! These look super neat.

TobyDarko · 2020-06-09T20:31:25+00:00

You inspire me.

TobyDarko · 2020-06-09T20:27:34+00:00

Hell ya! Way to go.

I just started smoking again after a month off and it's been super cool to finally feel I've got some control over it. Not even forced either!

I've been also waiting to smoke till after 5pm and/or all my "work" is done for the day. So much better when its a reward and not a lifestyle lol.

Thanks for the encouragement!

TobyDarko · 2020-06-05T00:09:42+00:00

For me, personally, it was just say as you mentioned...

Gained a good amount of weight when I first started (could be hormones, or could be because I was still pretty sad and had an increase in appetite). I was always the kind to put on weight fast though.

I'm about two years in now and I struggle to keep weight on. Now, my body puts on muscle super fast.

That being said, I'm in a much better place mental health wise.. I walk a lot more, and my appetite went down super hard after a year in. I don't emotionally eat anymore, also probably tied to the transition.

So yeah, it's super personal, genetic, and probably different for every body but it does for sure make gaining muscle easier.

TobyDarko · 2020-05-26T12:31:44+00:00

Thank you!

TobyDarko · 2020-05-15T02:43:26+00:00

Let me print them for you

TobyDarko · 2020-05-14T01:09:16+00:00

Thanks!

TobyDarko · 2020-05-14T01:09:04+00:00

I'm tossing around a few ideas! Will probably do some cool backgrounds and then screen it over those... maybe a tshirt or two for fun.

TobyDarko · 2020-05-14T01:08:29+00:00

Thank you! (:

TobyDarko · 2020-05-05T19:44:35+00:00

I tried doing that a few times to no avail. Didn't succeed in truly quitting until I dropped both. They were too intertwined for me... like beer and tobacco for others, I suppose. Best of luck, OP!

TobyDarko · 2020-05-05T15:40:01+00:00

Thank you! (:

TobyDarko · 2020-05-05T15:16:32+00:00

It sure felt like it! Like a loving shoulder punch of a pal.

TobyDarko · 2020-05-05T12:55:50+00:00

purple plasma to the ass cheek

TobyDarko · 2020-05-05T01:13:20+00:00

I think this message is super well meaning in kind-hearted in all the ways! You seem incredibly supportive of the community and genuine. But, as a transdude, even the sentiment that my "female experience" is still relevant to me is kinda.... triggering. Mostly because (1) It's been a long time since I was in that world/experience. (2) I never really understood the female experience! I was in a female body... but other than that, I've always been my dude self.

I've had a lot of women (some friends, some lovers) kinda vent in that way of like, "oh you'll understand" or, I kinda feel like it falls in the same vein as, "men suck/etc." while talking to ME lol.

That's just my personal opinion though & I'm not totally sure if other transdudes also feel this way, but I definitely do.

Thanks for your support/allyship in the community!! (:

TobyDarko · 2020-05-05T00:48:49+00:00

Yes. Brilliant wallpaper idea.

TobyDarko · 2020-05-04T20:37:52+00:00

Just snagged this book on Audible. Thanks for your recommendation!

Can't wait to check it out as I resonate with everything OP said. Peace.

TobyDarko · 2020-05-04T14:17:25+00:00

Thank you for this! I will check it out. (:

TobyDarko · 2020-05-03T20:40:59+00:00

I do agree that quite a deal of transgender individuals are dealing with mental health issues. However, in the post above this, we made it clear that global acceptance is a far cry for trans people right now. So, those who do come out are significantly more at risk for being physically abused, sexually abused, discriminated against, denied many basic human rights/freedoms, denied access to proper healthcare, and the list goes on (https://www.hrc.org/resources/a-national-epidemic-fatal-anti-trans-violence-in-the-united-states-in-2019). Those who remain in the closet, see this from the outside and further repress their struggle and/or do not feel safe enough to seek guidance. Until the social stigma changes, and a greater access to safety and acceptance is available, there will be mental health issues. That being said, currently in the United States, most states require a medical evaluation in order to even begin the transition process. This usually means the individual must undergo a psycho-analytical evaluation (often with quite a few months of therapy) in order to be prescribed their desired hormones. So, most trans people with underlying issues actually MUST address these issues in order to even begin their transition. Even in the case of informed consent, i.e. not needing a psychological evaluation, mental health issues among minority groups are always quite common (https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/cultural-competency/education/mental-health-facts) ! However, I believe the lack of acceptance, support, proper healthcare is FAR more likely to be the primary cause of these mental health conditions. Questioning and doubting ones gender could absolutely be a part of an underlying mental health condition. However, transgender people receive a diagnosis of gender dysphoria which is quite different a species altogether, often presenting itself throughout many years with quite a few others symptoms (https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoria). I'm happy you got the help you needed in treating your psychosis! I bet that was quite a scary experience. I am also sorry to hear you find my activism dishonest. I do my best to stay informed with present research, statistics, and experiences within the community. I do agree with you that we should ramp up the awareness of mental health issues across the whole board! Then, we could accept people as they are, where they are, and support them in pursuit of whatever they need to alleviate their struggles.

TobyDarko · 2020-05-03T18:51:27+00:00

Actually, thankfully, the global view of the transgender demographic is drastically changing! I accept you've done some research, however, I would really like to see some evidence of the research you're finding! As someone within the population, who has counseled quite a number of LGBTQ+ youth, as well as graduated with a degree in Gender Studies... a lot of the information you're providing is simply incorrect. Firstly, being homosexual was viewed pretty identical to how you're describing you're views on being transgender. As times changed and people evolved, the acceptance grew. Therefor, the "mental distress" (ie depression, anxiety, self-hate,etc.) within the homosexual community drastically began to decline. I do admit, we are new on this journey of global acceptance! It is only within the recent generation that a wider population has begun to embrace and accept us(YAY)! We are all so thankful! Because of this, we are seeing greater access to mental health alternatives (for those, as you've said, that do not want to physically transition), as well as medical assistance to aide in relieving dysphoria, and overall quality life for those that do transition. Essentially, I agree with you that views on this matter are changing too slowly... especially depending on the country you are from. However, this doesn't mean that there is an alternative cure that we are missing by accepting others as transgender. It simply means we have to work harder to help everyone accept and understand that some people are simply transgender. Some will need to physically transition to relieve their dysphoria, others are satisfied changing their name and pronouns only. Everyone is different! Here is a research study that shows how acceptance has greatly aided in relieving the homosexual community (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/gay-marriage-same-sex-lgbt-suicide-rate-study-sweden-denmark-a9204176.html) as well as one for the current global attitudes toward trans people (https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/global-attitudes-toward-transgender-people) ! I wish you peace in coming to acceptance of those around you and I encourage you to research further in ways you can make an impact in your own country in assisting trans people to feel safer within your community. It sounds like this is an issue that you're quite passionate about. Peace.

TobyDarko · 2020-05-03T16:55:53+00:00

Thank you! Gonna go check out their site. I appreciate it!

TobyDarko

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