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I don't know what to do


Evie

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My family gets uncomfortable around gay characters on television so Im worried they will not be okay with my transition. My parents chose my current name before they were even married. I worry I'm destroying their dreams. Please help. I don't know how to come out and I don't know if I'll ever be able to.

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Hi Evie.  Unfortunately we cannot control how others think, even when its about someone they love.  You are still young and you have lots of time ahead, so don't despair.  Your parents comfort level will most likely be due to unfamiliarity with LGBT+ people.  This is kind of understandable.  You live in a southern state known for conservatism in this regard and I don't know how open your family is to change.  Upsetting the status quo does tend to bother some folks to the extreme.   

A good point here is to understand that being gay and being transgender are two different things.  This is not something a lot of folks grasp since we are part of that group of four letters, LGBT.   The LGB concern sexuality, while the T is obviously gender. If you haven't, please take some time to read past posts on the sub-forums.  There is a wealth of information there.  

Yes, you will eventually upset their apple cart with this news but it is about your happiness and your dreams.  Theirs got you started, and now you are at the age where you begin to have dreams and aspirations of your own.  It's the cycle of life.  My family has been very good with me.  My parents were shocked and surprised at my news but I was told they loved me and wanted me to be happy,   The reality is this has been real hard on my dad.  He's lost his only son.  I'm in my 60's so my folks are quite older and I expected it would be hard.  There is never a good time for this sort of news.  

You're still in school and depend upon them for support.  If you are more comfortable with one of your parents you might broach the subject with them saying that you are questioning your gender.  You might just say you are experiencing some anxiety and would like to speak with a therapist.  Being a parent they will want to know more so they can help you through this.  Again how comfortable are you with them, at this level of discussion?  Do you have a sibling you are close to? 

You might speak with your doctor, although at your age they may relate anything you say to your parents. They shouldn't but...  A counselor at school may also be a good person to confide in.   

If you do get to a therapist, many young people are recommended to start on hormone blockers to stall the coming effects of puberty, until they are certain they want to transition, or can do so safely.  

You have a lot to think about and we are here to listen to you and offer support as we can.  You know your family situation best as far as how or when to say something.  If you come out and get shut down totally you may end up holding on and waiting until you move away to college.  A lot of us made the choice much later in life and we seem to be OK.  You'll be all right too.  

I hope I've said something that helps.  We're here for you.

Jani

 

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At 14 and starting HS you and your schoolmates are now starting to understand who you are with a lot of new older people to interact with. You are not the only one with sex and gender issues. One in twenty of you are gay and everyone is dressing and acting as Emos or Geeks or Rednecks. Start finding them and make friends. There are gender resources in NC led by Chapel Hill and others that can get you free help to sort things out. Keep in mind that we don't get to chose traits of who we are or who our parents are and its our life to live not theirs. But, don't alarm them till you need to and by that time they may well have seen it in you already.

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