Welcome

Why Stefanie888? The number 8 is very lucky in chinese numerology & I certainly feel it's been lucky for me. Always positive, I feel it to be an affirmation for my life. I am lucky, and am so grateful for the blessings in my life. I am also proud of myself, for over-coming so much, so I could be authentically MYSELF.

This site was put together to help my Family and Friends understand aspects of my life and also, to educate others about my journey into womanhood. Having been through a period of transition, I have resolved a medical condition, commonally referred to, as Transsexualism. It has all to do with SEX AND GENDER, and has nothing to do with one's Sexual Preferences.

The medical profession views transsexualism as a physiological issue, rather than a psychological one. Most agree with Dr Harry Benjamin, that gender is hard-wired in the brain, within the womb. Being transsexual is instead an intersex condition: a mis-match between physical and mental gender.

Most transsexuals assert that because mental gender cannot be changed via psychiatric means, the only alternative left is to change the physical body to match the mind. To make this happen, we follow Dr Harry Benjamin's "Standards Of Care", by taking hormones, whilst seeing a psychiatrist to help us with issues arrising with transition & to deal with our Gender Dysphoria. The Standards also require that we live 24/7 as our True Selves, for at least a year (Known as the "Real Life Test") before we can have our corrective surgeries.

Gender Dysphoria is one of the hardest conditions anyone can face & is definetly NOT a "lifestyle choice".

When faced with this condition, one goes deep within the soul & comes out the other side, REALLY knowing who we are. Now, having had the surgery to enable my body to match my soul, I am one VERY Happy Girl :)

http://sindromebenjamin.tripod.com/id18.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transsexualism

My own Transitioning has been an unavoidable necessity in my life.

It's been an amazing, wonderful and empowering experience, simply being Myself. I love every micro-second of my life. Alot of people who knew me before, say how obvious my happiness is, whilst others say I simply "glow". And now that I've had the surgery to "complete me", that glow is even brighter.

Mum once asked me in mid transition, "What's the biggest change you've noticed by being Stefanie (Except for the Obvious)?" & I replied that besides feeling whole, it was how I'm treated by complete strangers. I find them to be so much more kinder and respectful. I delight in the chivalrous acts of gentlemen & feel SO much more confident than before.

I'm Really proud of who I am today. Additionally, I've found it easier to develop Real, special, friendships. I feel when you are truely yourself, the universe smiles too. You get what you give.

Nowdays I've noticed more profound changes. In having the right "equipment", I am happier, more relaxed & content. My Gender Dysphoria is now gone. I am me, a Woman, in every sense.