There are a significant number of changes that the introduction of the Female hormones will initiate. In particular my skin will be subject to a wide range of significant changes, it will become softer, more translucent, and generally a little less masculine.
The increased translucence of the skin is as a result of the upper most layer (stratnum corneum) , becoming much thinner , this change will also render my skin more sensitive to touch.
In conjunction with this physical increase in sensitivity I am going to have to work on becoming mentally a little more robust, a little more thick skinned, in fact I think I may need Elephant hide.
Being both transgendered, and of a sensitive nature is not going to make for a smooth ride. From a starting point of low self esteem, building a resistance to external criticism of my appearance post transition is essential. I know there will be moments when my appearance is called into question, and there will be insults.
Growing up in a framework of violence, I learned how to take a punch. but I still don’t deal well with either insults or compliments. In constructing my Elephant Hide I’m going to borrow from Misanthropic Philosophy and work on the principle that “The Earth is covered with people not worth talking to.”
Transitioning will bring with it skills I should have learned many years ago. So this is it. I’m taking a positive step and if you don’t see it that way, please wait until my new skins are in place, before you tell me.
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