So at this point, I'm not keeping anything secret.

[Charlequin]

I'm currently not "fully out", I'm only coming out directly to the people that I have the most connection with/deeper relationships with. My parents know and I'm slowly coming out to my friends as I see them (I don't really want to come out via text or online chat if I can help it). The response has been nothing less of supportive thus far. At this point I don't really feel it necessary to tell everyone else I know, because in the end their opinion is going to have little to no impact on my life as I rarely/never see them.

With that said, if anyone approaches me about the topic, I am totally open to talk about it rationally and calmly, and I just had my first experience with that situation with my aunt. I've left the book my therapist wanted me to get, True Selves, on my computer desk for my family to pick up, thumb through, and get accustomed to the thought of trans*. She did just that. We had a very straight-forward and matter-of-fact conversation, and I actually think I prefer this method of coming out. It's almost easier for me to talk about how I feel and explain it when I'm approached about the subject rather than having to start the topic myself.

Though I guess it's called "coming out" because I'm the one that has to put the information out there first, huh?

[Elspeth]

Though I guess it's called "coming out" because I'm the one that has to put the information out there first, huh?

One of the main reasons I have reservations about this term. In practice, we ultimately "come out" only to the degree that the listener is ready to process what we're saying, and that is rarely clear or even close to complete.

I would agree that in many cases it works better when we can encourage others to ask about whatever is of relevance to them. Pushing information out there that they may not have the context to understand can be interesting but it can sometimes amplify any confusion they may have.

[Charlequin]

One of the main reasons I have reservations about this term. In practice, we ultimately "come out" only to the degree that the listener is ready to process what we're saying, and that is rarely clear or even close to complete.

I would agree that in many cases it works better when we can encourage others to ask about whatever is of relevance to them. Pushing information out there that they may not have the context to understand can be interesting but it can sometimes amplify any confusion they may have.

I feel the same way about the term. It's not exactly my favorite way of saying it, it's just the easiest to understand term? If that makes sense?

That's what I like about people coming to me about it. They've already formulated their questions based on what experiences, if any, they have with the subject. My aunt, for instance, is a nurse and she has a new patient who is FTM. She understands the condition, but she didn't know how the transition process worked, and that's mainly what we talked about. She understands more now, and in turn feels more comfortable with my situation.

Maybe I should just take the book with me everywhere I go, haha!