Enjoy the forum Joe. It's nice that you found this place. I'm confident that you'll find supportive friendships. I'm sure you have much to offer everyone here and I look forward to your perspective.
There is a saying that a friend told me. I'd like to share it with you:
You're about to step out onto a road of self-discovery. It's a road that can get very lonely. Those who have known you the longest will be the most threatened and upset by your travels. Be strong, be courageous and be true to yourself. As you travel this road you will find others who are searching as well. Befriend them, console them and they will be of a benefit to you. There will be times when you are the only one walking on the road. You will feel the solitude. Take advantage of these times to search within yourself for what you believe, what you feel and how you want the world to know you. Roads like these never end but in time they can become more comfortable.