Coming Out In L.a.

[Guest NatashaJade]

So as we drove into L.A. yesterday, we got caught in a massive hailstorm as we drove through Redlands (or thereabout). This was the first hailstorm I have ever driven through in the Southern California area and it was freaking everyone in the minivan out. My wife was casting spells of protection while my kids were screaming in fear (it was really loud). I was frightened as well, more for what other drivers would do than for myself. People get in such a mad rush to move over to the side of the road... We made it through fairly quickly, but all I kept thinking was that this was a bad omen for the trip. The weather was a bit too stormy (although I do love stormy weather from time to time).

So we got into the hotel and then dropped the kids off with our friend, Donna, who loves making play-doh with them. Then we went off to Becca and Stephan's. I told Becca last month and she told Stephan, her husband, that I had something to tell him, but not what.

So this is how it went. We went inside, sat down and made some small talk. Then Becca put me on the spot. I asked Stephan if he had noticed anything different about me and he said aside from my new use of vests in my wardrobe, not really. I then just jumped right in and said I had been taking hormones since last November. He jumps in with, "You mean HRT?" At this point, I was a little shocked. It turns out he had a friend in college who transitioned and his parents had a good friend that transitioned and he was totally cool with it. He knew all about it and his main concern was that our kids would grow up in Phoenix with weird parents and this could prove problematic for them and maybe we should move somewhere more liberal.

You know, for all the angst I have about coming out, this was the last thing I expected. I thought he would be cool about it, but not that fracking cool.

So then Donna brought the kids back and we had a delicious dinner made by Becca and then I came out to Donna (Becca's mom and my adopted mom...she's awesome). I had to explain a little bit more, but her main concern was if I was getting some therapy. I assured her that I was and she gave me a big hug and thanked me for sharing this with her. She said she was sure to have many questions, so I sent her a link to my blog and said I would be happy to talk to her anytime.

So first, my friends are so far amazing me with how wonderfully accepting they have been. They all seem to recognize that I am the person they have always known and loved regardless of this. On the way back to the hotel, I told my wife that I felt so incredibly lucky that I have these folks in my life and only wish we still lived in L.A. so we could be closer.

But I also thought this. You can't unring a bell. Once you let the cat out of the bag and share with others, there's no going back, really. Yeah, I've been on hormones for going on 47 weeks, but for some reason, starting to tell people makes it real in a way it wasn't before. It's out there in the world now and there's no taking it back and no going back.

Not that I want to. I'm never going back.

love to you all

Virginia

[JenniferB]

That is so cool Gin that your good friends accepted you from the start. And I agree with you that once you start coming out, it becomes nearly impossible to turn back. I won't even be starting HRT for a little over one month and I feel the same way.

Love Jenny

[Carolyn Marie]

That's just wonderful, Gin. You have some great friends.

You know, I think your story illustrates just how common and accepted TG people are becoming. We may not be everywhere, but people either know someone, or heard about someone, or have encountered someone, and folks are getting used to the idea that, yes, transgendered people are part of society and we aren't causing the world to collapse on itself.

Having people know and accept is truly a wonderful feeling. You're doing just great, Gin. Keep it going, girl!

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Cowboy]

You've got some pretty awesome friends. Thats really cool though, im glad it went well for ya.

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

Wonderful.....

I agree with you, Gin...the HRT is a huge part, but, the coming out is a HUGE validation for us...

And like Carolyn says...we are becoming more commonly accepted...it seems everyone has heard of us somehow or knows someone that knows a Trans person..

But, I agree with you ...

The HRT is always stoppable...the coming out is for life...

Good on you, Honey...

Huggs

Donna Jean