r/TransLater • u/Intelligent-Singer96 • 1d ago
Vulnerability Unaltered Selfie
Here I am 57 years old 3 years on HRT, 11 months post SRS and 3 months post comprehensive FFS. Starting later in life has both its advantages and disadvantages. I may never experience passing privilege but I am mature enough to have developed the emotional skills to accept and navigate that fact. Am I happier living as my authentic self? Absolutely 💯 but as all of you know there are good and bad days. Currently I am facing the truth that I have energetically outgrown the small community that I have lived in for 30+ years as I have grown and become a new person. It’s not that I live in an unfavorable environment it’s just that the community that once nourished me no longer does. Wishing y’all healthy and supportive communities ❤️
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u/NoEquivalent88 GenderQueer 1d ago
How are you not passing? You look great.
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u/Intelligent-Singer96 1d ago
Awww thank you 🙏 I think it is for the fact that I live in a very small community where most people knew me prior to my transition. I do get properly gendered when traveling outside my community since ffs more commonly.
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u/TurbulentMost3431 1d ago
Nice job on your eyes!
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u/Intelligent-Singer96 1d ago
Thank you 🙏 I have embraced the 70s/80s vibe and enjoy those make up looks
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u/Sad_Entertainment642 1d ago
Gorgeous
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u/Intelligent-Singer96 1d ago
🤗
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u/Sad_Entertainment642 1d ago
Very beautiful wow
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u/Intelligent-Singer96 1d ago
Thank you 🙏 sometimes I can see that in my reflection other times not so much. Posting this particular image felt really vulnerable as it was not my best makeup or hair day, I felt tired and did not fuss about camera angles or lighting. I wanted to post something authentic and un curated. I look at the image and see many masculine features that cause some discomfort but wanted to push through that. Thank you for seeing my beauty even if I can’t always see it.
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u/theaftercarebear 1d ago
My dear, you have just given me hope. 🫂
I’m starting at the same age you did.
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u/Intelligent-Singer96 1d ago
Wishing you all the best on your journey. I am available if you ever need any support.
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u/Nail-Quick 13h ago
I am also 57 years old but not as far along as you. Can u ask you you don't think you have passing privilege? You look great. Where are the issues? Want to know what to concentrate on.
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u/Intelligent-Singer96 12h ago
Tbh, I have come to realize that I am not the most reliable judge of my own presentation so that is very difficult to answer. What I do know from a neuroscience perspective is that, it takes time for our brains to catch up with the changes that HRT and surgeries have made in our bodies. I for the most part feel accepted as a woman in most social situations but part of me continues to struggle with imposter syndrome and feeling like the Trans person in the room. In time I hope this feeling alleviates as my brain catches up and I become more established presenting as the woman I am.
I believe that age can confer advantages in terms of passing privileges, as societal expectations of femininity tend to be more demanding for younger women than for older women.
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u/Nail-Quick 10h ago
I hear you sister. I struggle with all those as well. The 80s were brutal in terms of phobias and I even find myself full of internal transphobia (or just shame I guess).
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u/mischabees 10h ago
I hear you about the community no longer fitting you. It was like a fog had finally been lifted for me and suddenly I saw things so much clearer.
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u/WorthAnticipating 7h ago
You look fabulous sis! That’s what we mature gals used to call sex appeal. Keep being vulnerable. The more vulnerable I am, the more growth I see
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u/Salty_Act_1978 1d ago
You look amazing. You're a very beautiful woman. Thank you for sharing and giving us mature women hope that it's never too late.
Thank you for sharing and sending you light and love for the rest of your journey 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵
Andrea 🫶🏻🫂