You're not alone. There are actually thousands of people in the U.S. (and millions world-wide) that were born male and feel female. 

Some people who are born with a penis have a deep inner sense that says, "But I'm really a girl!" They may become aware of these feelings as small children, or later as adolescents or adults.

There are hundreds of words people use to describe their gender. Here are some examples: trans, transgender, transsexual, trans-warrior, male to female (M-to-F and MTF), cross-dresser, differently gendered, female impersonator, drag queen, queen, femme, femme queen, and more! 

Like other transgender people, you may feel like you're the only one. Some transgender people may feel confused, or even sad or angry. Our society doesn't have much patience for people whose genders are different.

Parents can react in different ways to this type of news. This article provides one mom's point of view: Mom, I Need to be a Girl.

Guys are expected to feel like guys and act like guys, and girl are expected to feel like girls and act like girls. When people try to express themselves in different ways, the people around them may be surprised, or even react in very mean or discriminatory ways. But many young people and older people DO shake up gender expectations. You aren't alone.

People who are transgender may express themselves in different ways. Some just want to be able to wear women's clothing every once in a while. Others want to wear women's clothing all the time. Some people really feel like their biology contradicts who they are inside. Some may choose to take hormones and/or have surgery to change their bodies to match how they feel inside.

If you are already taking hormones, please remember to use clean needles. Used needles transmit infections such as HIV, which causes AIDS, and hepatitis. There are inexpensive trans-friendly health clinics in most large cities where you can get safe supplies and good health care from trained professionals.

Lots of people confuse being transgender with being lesbian, gay or bisexual. But that is different. Our sexual orientation is about who we're attracted to sexually and romantically. Being transgender has to do with our gender identity--our sense of being male, female, neither or a little bit of both. For example, you may be gay and transgender, or you may be straight and transgender.

To find a therapist who can understand what you are going through, click here for the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

Because society has a hard time accepting people who are different, you may want help to come to terms with your feelings. Try to find people who are "trans-friendly." This might be both transgender people and people who are not. A good place to start exploring your feelings and finding others who you can talk to is at TransProud and trans*topia, created by an organization called Youth Resource.

You'll see that you are not alone and that there are places to find the support you need to accept and love who you are.

Note: If you'd like to do something to make school a safer place for trans and gender-different youth, try "Bending the Mold - An Action Kit for Transgender Youth."