My coming out.

[Billie75B]

 

My coming out

When I finally admitted to myself that I was transgender back in March and with the advice of my therapist that I needed to start building a support group. I had to CIS female friends that I had worked with at my previous employer and we had become very close the 3 of us worked together and went to training and conferences together. So I felt comfortable contacting them about coming out. The first one was not surprised at all and she told me that she had a feeling I was transgender, then said she was happy for me and said welcome to the sisterhood B, even though you have been a part of the sisterhood all along.    The second one was somewhat surprised but totally excited for me and wanted to know everything and how she could help, to say the least I was on cloud nine. Later on I was introduced to a transgender lady who is the same age as I am and had just started HRT. Even though we are over 1000 miles apart we hit off and became friends instantly. She is 6 months ahead of me on HRT be we talk every Sunday and catch up. Now that I am on HRT (new birthday Aug 25^th) my therapist said I need to start working on coming out to family and other friends, the thought of that has had me extremely stressed out.  This past Saturday I texted my second late wife’s daughter who was 12 when we married and I consider her as my oldest daughter and she even introduces me as her dad. So I told her I needed to talk to her about something important and not to panic as I am ok health wise. She replied back they were at a function so she would call me Sunday. She called me Sunday and I told her my story of how I had struggled with gender dysphoria my whole life and that I was going to transition. She was totally surprised but she told me that she always felt that I was struggling with something that kept me from fully being happy and that what I told her made total since. She was very happy for me and said she wanted me to know that she will be there for me every step of the way. I was absolutely blown away I figured she would be ok with my transition and why I choose to tell her first but I didn’t expect her enthusiasm and full support that quick. To say the least I am on cloud nine again. Now I have my 2 daughter to tell and not sure how they will react and 2 more step daughter from this last marriage to tell. Plus I still have to come out to my sister which really has me scared as I know that she is deeply religious and very conservative, and even though we are very close I feel this may kill that relationship. All I can do as I heard on Dr Z PhD is prepare for the worst and expect the best.

Billie.  

[Heather Shay]

@Billie75B Congrats. I understand the difficulty telling people. I came out to a few friends who lived a great distance from me first to test the waters andif rejected wouldn't lose a lot. Then told my wife and after a year and a half is still struggling with it but she's still here and seems to be slowly accepting it. I agree with your therapist and am glad you also enjoy and watch Dr. Z. I have found her very affirming. 

 

We both have a long way to go but your progress is going well and I'm happy for you.

 

Heather

[Billie75B]

@Shay Thank you yes so far it has gone better than I expected and I just need to stay calm and move one day at a time.

 

Billie