Okay, I'm back.

Friends are a great resource, too. Amazingly, each time you tell someone something personal about yourself it gets easier the next time.

It does sound like the "wanting to be a boy" thing is a big part of this for you. Is it possible to put that thought on hold for a while until you get to a point where you just "want to be" period? Boy or girl, you are a precious human being with innate value and worth. Body parts are mostly just window dressings. ...Easier said than believed, I know.

You say you come from a religious background... Do you find any comfort in religion or spirituality for yourself? There might be some great resources there, if so. Not all religion is cruel and rejecting. Legalism (expecting perfection) is a common distortion of Christianity (and in total conflict with the essence of what it's really about). Grace, mercy, compassion and love come to mind as wonderful principles for any of us struggling with these kinds of issues.

Check out Psalm 139:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...139&version=31

It talks about a God who knows us even better than we know ourselves and still loves us (our bodies included) as his precious children.

Take good care,

FT