Transitioning can be daunting, especially when you live in a rural area. But you aren't alone! Here's some information to get you started, but don't be afraid to do your own research, just remember to be careful.
Figuring out one's gender can be daunting, especially if you don't have the means to try different modes of presentation. Fortunately, there are many ways to explore your gender outside of clothing. The Pronoun Dressing Room is a great way to try out different names and pronouns. I'd also recommend r/TransTryouts on Reddit. Remeber that gender, gender presentation, and pronouns don't have to "match" and that what's most important is how you want to identify and exist. It's your life, and you get to choose the pronouns!
Gender presentation is a bundle of factors (clothes, mannerisms, makeup, ect.) that effect how we are seen by those around us. Your gender presentation is up to you, not anyone else. So take my advice about it as a suggestion, not a command. With that, there are two pieces of advice I think would be applicable to anyone:
For many of you, safety and comfort require opposite presentations. While I would recommend safety, it's ultimately your decision and you know your own situation better than I do.
And now it's time to talk about passing. Passing is the subject of much discussion in the trans community, and it's also where a lot of the most harmful advice comes from.
Before we get into it, let's debunk a few misconceptions:
Binding is compressing one's chest to give the impression of a more masculine shape. Many transmasculine and GNC people do this, but it isn't a requirement. There are many different brands out there, but I would recommend Underworks, FLAVNT, or Spectrum. Before purchasing a binder, do your research! Look at reviews online and ask around (Make sure that the advice you are getting is up to date though, some brands (like gc2b) have had signficant drops in quality over the years). It's generally reccomended that one bind for no more than 8 hours a day, but if you are feeling shortness of breath or pain, take it off as soon as possible.
While binding brings euphoria for many, binding 24/7 is not an option. Whenever I'm not binding or sleeping, I'm wearing a trusty sports bra. My recommendation to anyone who wants to bind/minimize their chest is to find a good sports bra to wear outside of those 8 hours. In my experience, sports bras with high-necklines are no pads are best. The more it resembles a binder the better!