Before you start getting too invested in working out living arrangements for him - has he expressed an interest/comfort in living with you and your grandmother while he goes to college? Have you two talked about this or are you just thinking of trying to offer it? And is he thinking couch surfing wh...

Hi, wintersolstice! I agree with Sam W that they way you're categorizing your attraction could be helping to cause this split for you. I may be totally off base here, but you mention that you have used these fictional crushes as a coping mechanism in the past. It might also help for you to explore t...

I'm definitely keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you well. <3

Oh, wow. I'm... so sorry to hear that, CaptainWildRose. It sounded like your sister had been initially accepting, but now you're forcing yourself to go back into the closet even to yourself. =( How did you feel during this conversation with your sister? Is she the one who suggested you might be conf...

I'm glad you could relate to my experience, easternstar! I think it's a pretty common one that unfortunately just doesn't get talked about much, and as such, so many people are left feeling alone and left out. Have you searched around facebook and meetup.com for any other local queer/trans groups in...

I'm so glad that things went well coming out to your friend and your sister! That's awesome! It's been a few days, how are you feeling about that now? I also just want to encourage you to really think about taking advantage of any reason you can use to get out of the house, including the resources t...

Hi, Kezzie! I completely second everything Sam W has said. I just wanted to quickly pop by. I know you've read a lot and might be tired of reading and might have even already come across the book I'm about to mention, but some folk I trust have recommended Sex for One as a great resources for destig...

If it's okay, may I ask - Are you masturbating and looking for a BAM moment of pleasure because you want to/you're horny and want to take care of it this way OR because that's what you've read/society has told you that you should do and that's how you should feel? (For reference, I'm asking because ...

Hi there, easternstar! I'm sorry to say that you're absolutely right: this is something that only you can determine and answer for yourself. That's the incredibly frustrating thing about identity. It's not some simple algebra problem where you can stick in a couple of variables and get a sure set of...

Hi, l1ttlesp0on; I'm so sorry you've been going through this and having to feel so frustrated and sad! I agree with Sam W and Heather that love absolutely doesn't have to be this hard - and that it shouldn't be this hard. I think when you get to the point of asking yourself "why is this so hard...

Unfortunately due to certain circumstances in my life moving away might take a extra year or two before i can be myself. The reason for this is because i need to be able to support myself first and then when i get the chance I'd move in by myself so i wouldn't have to hide, but for now I'm stuck he...

Welcome, CaptainWildRose! I'm sorry you're in a place where you are not able to live as a girl. I can really empathize with your situation considering I am also closeted irl. You've mentioned you can't keep these feelings between you and god anymore. Is coming out online a good compromise right now ...

Gender expression =/= gender! You can totally be a feminine trans boy, tiediedragon! That's extremely valid! As Sam W said, a lot of the times trans folk are expected to hyperconform to binary gender standards. It's extremely unfair and incorrect. There's a piece on Into I think you might really dig...

Hi, AphroditeLoves. I am so sorry for what you've been through and what you're working through right now. This is not at all easy stuff, and it makes sense that you've got a lot of confusing and even conflicting feelings, a lot of questions, a lot of anger, a lot of repressed anger, a lot of sadness...

You've been given a lot of information to go over already, I know! But I see you mentioned being concerned about getting an exam from your family doctor. If you're talking about a gynecological visit, ScarleTeen also has an awesome and thorough overview of what to expect for that here: Your First Gy...

Welcome, iced_Coffee! I just want to talk a bit about something that doesn't get mentioned much: gender euphoria . Whereas dysphoria is discomfort/disease, euphoria is feelings of joy/happiness/comfort at affirming your gender. For example, when you try on clothes you like such as your sister's clot...

I'm so sorry! That is a disappointing start to your new year. I can see why you'd be frustrated. I hope your tests go well. We're still very early into 2020, though - there's plenty of time to balance things out and give yourself a better start to the new year! What's something you've been wanting t...

EDIT: Amanda F. beat me here and said basically everything I was going to, but I'll go ahead and add my post, too, since I think we talk about the same thing in slightly different ways. ^^;; But if you feel like you've got enough response on your plate responding to Amanda F., please feel free to di...

Did you read the thread and the article I linked in my previous post? What did you think about the things said in them?

Hi, Lolgal5566771. I see you also posted this thread in the "Ask Us" section, which is where only staff/volunteers can respond to your questions. Since this is an open section where any user can reply, I'm not sure if you changed your mind about posting here or were just trying to make sur...

I'm glad you're making use of some steps to help manage your anxiety! I totally hear you on those methods working in the moment but struggling to make them apply after specifically focusing on them. In these cases, distraction can actually help a lot of people. Maybe you can try using these methods ...

Hi, again, Sunflower12345! Previously, a mod had linked you to ScarleTeen's big resource page for managing anxiety and you had downloaded an app off of that. Are you still using that app? Have you tried using that app to help with the anxiety you're experiencing right now? Is it making a difference?...

Hey, LaceyRose - In addition to what SamW said, it sounds like your feelings about birth control and protective measures are (unsurprisingly) a little conflicted due to some conflicting views regarding sex. I get the idea from your posts that you enjoy having sex in the moment, but the time before a...

It does feel really hard to figure out how to meet people when you don't have something like school or an activity you're participated in most your life! Something you can do is get out and try new things. Check out your area's meetup.com. There can be a wide variety - and some oddly specific - grou...

Hi, AphroditeLoves! Welcome to the boards. =) The first thing to know about consent is that it doesn't have to be sweet, cute, sexy, flirty or whatever else. It is necessary . And anybody worth your time will respect and support your boundaries. The next thing to know about consent is that it is flu...