Starting Estrogen had the same effect on depression for me, I'm finally looking to actually get off them! Also, very unexpectedly, I've apparently started emoting more and putting more expression into my voice. I've always spoke with a monotone, so I was very surprised at the development.
Also yeah guys are sweaty and stinky lol
I'm sorry that happened to you. That is horrible, and I'm certainly not trying to claim that we don't have violent bigots. I'm more trying to say that they aren't as successful politically as in the US and UK.
NSW and WA stand out as particularly regressive when it comes to transgender legal procedures. Especially when even Queensland is reforming their laws to remove surgery requirements.
I feel like Australia is fairly apathetic to us. Probably because we generally dislike Americans and see the massive anti-trans movement as theirs. That's not to say we're accepting (I get plenty of disgusted looks from the cis and I'm in a progressive part of town), but it's more of a passive dislike, attempts to build a large, motivated movement have been unsuccessful.
There have been some failed attempts to start a culture war and politicise us, but our policies have remained largely sensible and accepting. Most of the country operates on an informed consent model, and youths are able to access puberty blockers through either the consent of their parents or the family court (in cases where the parents are bigots). To change my legal gender, all I needed was a note signed by my GP.
It's strange, because I feel like most of the population dislikes us (or at least condescends to us, thinking we're being taken advantage of by "big pharma"), however we've still let actual experts and advocates design policies.
There are way more mentions in the book, but one prominent song that I think can be read really trans is "Mis-shapes" by Pulp. A bunch of Suede can be read the same way as well!
I really liked Little Blue, it's framing is super interesting (the main character explores their relationship and love for a fellow trans lady Vivian through a shared interest in a (fictional) show called "Little Blue"). Also highly recommend "A Safe Girl to Love" (or any of Casey Plett's work), its a bunch of short stories so easy to get into, as well as Nevada!!!
Lately "She Likes a Boy" by Nxdia. I also got turned onto a bunch of trans-ish brit-pop from reading "Little Blue Encyclopedia (for Vivian)" (highly recommend).
One thing I did notice when I was a little earlier in my transition was a feeling that even supposed allies don't want to see you in the "in between" stage of transitioning. They want to either see you before you've started transitioning, or when you're at the point you at least sort of pass. I isolated myself for years because of that vibe, and I regret it.
I get a lot more glares from tomato red old men and women, and the occasional guy not-so-subtly checking me out. Sometimes a jackass will go out of their way to "sir" me because they think its funny. In general though, most everyone else is kind and accepting, and I feel like people are less guarded around me.
You will need to get a lot of blood work done as you start hormones. It's incredibly important as they adjust your levels of blockers and estrogen. Don't be discouraged though, after that initial perio, you can really only expect a checkup occasionally (usually if you change your dosage or something).
As other people have pointed out, there are ways of making the experience more comfortable, and anyone working in the field will be very familiar with dealing with people with a fear of needles. Don't let it discourage you!! If this is what you want, what you need, needles are a temporary road block to your happiness.
The show context button doesn't usually work if the comment you've replied to has been deleted/removed, so that could be the cause?
I hope this is indicative that the push by politicians to instigate a culture war over us is failing to gain support
I don't think cis people understand the joy of finally embodying the correct gender. Maybe they do, but they don't have the comparative experience. I feel a little sorry for them that they won't ever experience it, and I think they'd be more understanding of us if they did.
Comment has been removed, sorry you had to see that ๐