Thinking of coming out.

[Darrin Scott]

I'm thinking of coming out to my mom. I don't think she would disown me or anything like that, but I'm worried I won't be taken seriously. Like, "I thought you were a lesbian. Now you're trans? Pfftttt". I'm concerned about being seen as male/masculine. I just don't see anyone using the proper names/pronouns. I'm concerned about my grandma. She doesn't really know what trans is and I know her friends/partner will disapprove. I just don't want my choice to transition to effect her or look bad on her. There's so much at stake here. I've heard the saying "transitioning is not for the weak" and I think that's right. I'm just terrified about the idea of coming out. I'm really doing this so they're aware of what I plan on doing and how I'm going to live my life more so than to be accepted. But still....What did you guys do? Write letters? Use facebook or tell in person? I guess the best option is up for the individual. I'm going to talk about this to my therapist too.

[Venus-Castina]

I took a lot of time in my coming out. Last December I spent talking to my mother about a fictious transgirl on campus to probe what her sentiments were towards this. We then had a long talk about gender dysphoria and I told her how this imagined girl experienced life.

Only after being confident she was not judgmental on the subject and knew the basics I came out to her in February when I pierced my ears and got myself registered at the gender clinic. While she was clearly shocked she took the news initially well and I invited her to visit me for a more serious talk. I asked a transgender friend who is several years into transition to join us so my mother could see in real life what is possible in an attempt to fight off the stereotype.

I never really came out to my other family members. In the passing months they saw subtle changes and began questioning them.

[Vincent E.S.]

I told a few close friends in person over the years, but I came out to my parents by writing a letter to each of them.
I think how you come out to someone depends mostly on the person you're coming out to, and how comfortable you'd be with different methods.