Coming out to my parents

[LucyTheSorceress]

I really really don't know how to handle this.

 

I live with my parents as I am still 22 years old, just recently they found my stash of my sisters clothes and removed some of them  which has caused me great grief and anxiety.

 

I came back from holiday to just a bra and panties under my bed when my favourite items were there too... my mum left a make up brush on the side of the table but I put it back in her room - I still don't fully understand what she meant by this.

 

I think my parents have known that I've cross dressed for years and years, but maybe believed I stopped it when they found clothes in a similar fashion in my car 2 years ago.

 

I only just told anyone about gender dysphoroa, which was my GP yesterday and it felt like a huge weight lifted from my shoulders.

 

The thing that gets me is since I've been back home, my dad has called me weird on about 3 separate occasions. Other than that he has been the same towards me.

 

I really don't know how to approach the topic and/or if I should see a therapist first before I talk to them.

 

I think I'm desperate to start becoming who I really am. This comes after my GP said she is going to look into things for me so we can get the ball rolling - something my brain reacted overwhelming positive to.

[tracy_j]

It sounds like your family are trying to cope with things, but not really understanding so maybe have difficulty broaching the subject. I do wonder about the makeup brush. Maybe that would have been an opening for you to mention it to ask her? It would have been a less embarrasing entry to discussion than say bra and panties. I don't know how well you get on with your parents. It sounds not too bad, as even your dad does not seem agressive. Usually mothers are (or try to be) more understanding. There are many reasons for cross dressing, some being sexual rather than gender orientated. Your parents won't know your reasons until things are really out in the open. Who knows what they are thinking at the moment. Don't assume things.  My opinion is to catch your mother at a quiet moment and gently introduce the subject. Maybe by the makeup brush. It will be hard for both of you, but it is something which will need to be in the open, for your good health at least. By all means talk to a therapist. They could help you on how you approach things. Above all, don't let emotions overwhelm things and raise stress. Take it gently.

 

Tracy

[Charlize]

I might suggest that you mention to your parents that you feel the need to see a therapist.  i'm sure your GP will back you up.  When i came out to my wife she suggested therapy, perhaps thinking i could be "cured".  Instead i found a path to myself and my therapist helped me to gain my wife acceptance.  Hope it goes well for you.  Being honest can get us away from that horrible feeling of guilt about who we are.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize