What do I do? Am I a Transgender or not?

[Mothgils776]

I'm worried about things that are going on in my life. A few weeks ago, thoughts in my head resurfaced from years ago. I have these things in my head that I don't really know what's going on with. I keep thinking I want to be a girl, even though I'm a straight guy. I don't know what's going on, and I want some help. I'm only sixteen, and I don't want my parents to find out about this. I can't go to a psychiatrist because that takes money, which has to come from my parents. What do I do? Where can I find out for sure?

[Answerprancer]

First of all: *DON'T PANIC* !
At 16 it's *PERFECTLY NORMAL* for loooaaads of things to be going on on your mind like this. Hormones are still all over the place and things can be confusing.
Gay/straight,/transgender/transsexual etc. where ever you're at, it's all normal and you're not alone.
The first port of call I would advise is talking to a trusted friend or relative.
If you are more comfortable with the idea of talking to someone away from friends/family, how about talking to a college lecturer/teacher you like?
I'm pretty sure you can be referred to councellor through your GP/doctor and that doesn't necessarily cost especially if you are a) a student b) signing on.
As far as I know, at 16 you have a legal right to register with whatever health centre you choose, anonymously if necessary - that's where you can be put in touch with a councellor.

[Answerprancer]

ps. here's something else that you might consider as an option:
http://www.youth2youth.co.uk/helpline.htm

[Answerprancer]

pps. by "anonymously" I meant as far as your parents are concerned.
Whatever GP/doctor you choose should be able to refer you to an NHS counsellor (sorry I spelt it wrong in the first answer!)

[dmax]

dont worry im sure your parents love you no matter what, dont be ashamed of what you are either be that gay ,transgendered or whatever. take answers advice, goodluck

[tamirra]

I wouldn`t worry, as dmax says your parents would/should love you whatever gender you prefer to be, i have a 21 year old son and i would love him no matter what, and the same for my daughter. xx

[Eve]

First of all don't let yourself be further pressured by the labels that society puts on things. Don't try to put yourself into a box, you just need to find who you are, not try and pidgeonhole yourself into a stereotype.

The fact you mention a psychiatrist makes me worry you think that there is something wrong with you. Please, please don't think that.

The important thing is for you to explore your own feelings and get any help that you need to do that.

I found this link which may provide an initial point of contact for you as they are a support group especially for young people with gender issues and their families...

http://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/toc1.html

They may be able to give you some advice and support and help you, when you are ready, talk to your family.

Be happy :)

[karenmac60]

You might also get some useful advice here
http://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/

[society]

Join a church. You need some praying over.

[Answerprancer]

.....and whatever you do, avoid the church.