Actually, I have to say I "began" my journey at a very young age; I have little doubt, at birth.  I now can acknowledge that everything I did throughout life, I simultaneously imagined myself as "Jessica".  You see, my self-image never matched my outward appearance and I always compared what I thought my life would have been like if it did. With EVERYTHING I did.  Growing up, friends, relationships, family, work, play, sports, school, business and career, disappointments and accomplishments.  I had never met anyone transgender, except several times when a trans woman in her early stages of coming out would dine in my restaurant with a few of her support group. They may have viewed me as hospitable, welcoming, and respectful, but in reality, I was fascinated. That was 1996, and I would keep my secret tight until 2018 when I began to really understand, address and accept my eventual mortality.  The time was then or never.

Jessica, I knew I was Lesbian (and an empath since four years old - although it took decades for me to find the right words.

I am so happy you found closure, as I have!

Your friend,

Monica

I used to think that the few occasions throughout my life that I had tried on woman's clothing I was crossdressing.  Now that I live my life in my authentic gender and have since 2019, I now understand clearly that when I presented most of my life as a man, THAT was when I was doing the crossdressing.  Free now and forever. 

I'm 79 and just starting my journey that I may not complete.  Good for you to find your own self!