[b.rose]

Samantha, Clara - I can understand that people have to transition, I was one of those, but I just want people to be aware of how destructive transition is. The oft-used analogy is an ugly caterpillar morphing into a beautiful butterfly. The reality is that, for most people, transition is more like being a survivor of Hiroshima or Nagasaki with your life in ruins and one or two bits surviving the blast.

If I had the choice I would not have transitioned, but after my breakdown I realised I was out of choices. Nonetheless I have been one of the lucky ones. In "Hiroshima terms" I would have been in the outskirts of the city, not at ground zero like some I know who lost everything and everyone. My life was only partly destroyed and I am still rebuilding it years later.

Given that I had to transition, I am satisfied with the outcome but things would have been easier for me if I had been able to carry on as I was. So I always advise people to stop and think if they really, really, really need to transition and, if not, then do not transition.

I always urge people to think carefully and if they have any doubts then do not start down the road to transition. The odds are rarely in your favour.

BTW - Happy New Year.