In a way it take courage to do.
Right in the beginning of transition, you know there are a lot of hurdles to take.
You know it's gonna be hurting sometimes, and still, you will go for it.
Is it courage of desperation?
Don't blame people who say this things, it's meant nice.
They don't have the damn feeling of trapped in the wrong body, so they can't relate to this.
The same when you hear somebody's child died, you can imagine they will have a bad time but you will never feel the intense pain they feel unless you have lost a child yourself.
I think when people say such things, it's meant as some kind of acceptation, admiring and support.