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Michelle, I also congratulate you both for your job as well as becoming yourself, Michelle. I feel that our becoming ourselves is like the genie coming out of the bottle. There's no stuffing her back in! I just feel more and more happy and content as Emma. i also echo Chrissy's sentiment that it's too bad that your progress seems to be tied to your wife's passing. They say that one dour closes and then another opens. True but no one is forced to go through the newly opened door. You are and I commend you! Emma

Michelle, Congrats on the job! It sounds challenging, working with kids in a detention setting, but possibly very rewarding. Anyone who has been exposed to the criminal "justice" system is going to have a rough time, they need all the support they can get if they're going to have any chance after. And congrats on growing into Michelle ☺ I definitely know what you mean about there being no going back! It is sad that it's connected to your wife passing - that seems like it would be very bittersweet - but you have to keep doing what you need and want. Xoxo Chrissy

Dear MichelleLea, Just finished my research for transgender resources in Broward County and found that they all are "for profit." If anyone knows of non-profit transgender support in Broward County, please let MichelleLea and I know. Please check the resources I gave you, and, if they don't know, ask them for a referral. Sometimes it takes one person referring to another person, and that person referring to a third person, etc. Things have changed in the 15 years since I lived in Tampa Bay, but I still think they are worth the trip! Orlando has some outstanding transgender support and social groups, and if you are interested, let me know. Your friend, Monica

Dear MichelleLea, You may want to check these out: Trans*Talk St. Pete MTF Group: 2nd Wednesday of the month 7 - 8:30 P.M. Tel: 727-321-3854 (call for address and directions) Coffee & "T" LGBT Welcome Center 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 6 - 8 P.M. LGBT Welcome Center 2227 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, Florida 727-201-4925 Will research resources in Broward County soon. Yours truly, Monica

Dear MichelleLea, First, please accept my condolences on the loss of your wife. Let me assure you that she very likely was attracted to your gentle feminine energy, although she may not have been conscious of that. Second, until 15 years ago, I used to live in Tampa Bay, Florida, for 35 years. As recently as a few years ago, I know they had a very trans-friendly Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), one of the 10 largest in the world (taking up an entire city block) on U.S. 19 and Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida. Also, there is a cross dresser support group and transsexual support group (yes, they not only get along but enjoy each other's company!), meeting monthly in St. Petersburg, Florida. There is also a social group that welcomes BOTH transsexuals AND cross dressers, and they have wonderful activities monthly, such as going to the mall, followed by dining out, etc. There is a transsexual support group that meets monthly in Clearwater, Florida. Will try to get you some contacts within the week. Your friend, Monica

I grew up in Piscataway, then lived for a couple of years in Plainsboro after graduation and a brief time in Heightstown before I moved to Ohio to get away from crazy ex. I really miss it, there was this little mom and pop pizza place across from Quakerbridge Mall that had the BEST CHEESESTEAK EVER! It's called Red Moon Pizza if it's still there and you're in the area. We spent a lot of time at Sandy Hook beach, but then changed to Island Beach State Park. I know everyone loves Seaside Heights, but I liked a somewhat quieter beach.

Hello Judy and welcome to TGGuide. It sure sounds to me like you're transgender, which is a reason you're drawn to study and consider what it is to be a woman. It's perfectly okay to crossdress on occasion to make yourself feel good. The point is to help oneself manage their dysphoria. For some (many?) cross dressing is all that they need. Or maybe it's all they can do at this point in time so it's much better and satisfying to do than try to go on without it. And of course there are many who find that crossdressing isn't enough for them, and they eventually go on to hormones and surgeries. The main thing to be aware of and accept is that being transgender isn't a choice. Also, it's not something that can be "cured", it's not a disease, and it's not going away. We are born this way and like people who are left handed or blue eyed, we deserve the same love and respect as anyone else. So I'd ask you: what is your awareness of transgender, yourself, and your acceptance of yourself? It can be hard to go through all this, it sure was for me. If it is for you, have you considered seeing a therapist? It helps to talk about this with a professional, especially therapists who are aware of gender concerns. Please look around TGGuide, learn, and post your thoughts and questions. We are all happy to help in any way that we can. Emma