What Points Should a Coming-out Letter Cover?

[Damian]

Hey,
I am currently writing a coming out letter to my parents and I know kind of what to write but I need some help.
I didn't see this topic anywhere else, so:
What has/should be included in a letter?
What is recommended?
What should you steer clear of doing?
How long should it be?

So what do you think?
-Damian

[Devlyn]

There are letters on the bottom left hand corner of the Wiki front page: https://www.susans.org/wiki/Main_Page
Don't forget to thank the Wiki Staff! Hugs, Devlyn

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Damian,

Basically keep it light, short and to the point. Your parents will have a plethora of their own questions to ask.

Firstly, it's no one fault. No one is to blame. Secondly, it's a recognised medical condition, well researched and documented. It carries no shame, guilt or humiliation, unless you want it to.

Thirdly. You are still the same person you have always been, albeit now a bit more honest about who you really are.

Pass it over to Q & A time.

This pretty well goes for everyone. Remember the K.I.S.S principle. Keep It Simple, Stupid. Everyone will have their particular questions that need answering. They don't need the Gettysburg address.

Be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[Tristan]

Hum... You could just tell them everything and explain it to them. I mean it is big news that may shock them. You minus well get it all out and done in one swift blow

[XchristineX]

I told my mom i was born with gender identity disorder..

I didnt want to but i am... It is also out of my control
Its a progressive condition meaning i have to take care of it
Or risk becoming suicidal..
the therapy includes hormones... FFS  ( LONG EXPLANATION )
and possibly GRS, I didnt want to tell my mom i am doing it...
and that is the ONLY known way to ease the psychological pain and
discomfort...
And it is going forward... you can either be there or not...
but its already started and i cannot stop it...

yea i told my mother that after we drank a flat of beer and cut into
the 2l ciders... HAHA

well... i did have some back lash... but she did say its your  body..
what ever makes you happy... go float your boat LOL..

[peky]

Here you do Damian,

Feel free to modify it

OO

Peky

Dear Mom and Dad,
I am writing this letter after much thought and reflection. There is something I need to share with you, and it is not easy to verbalized, so I am putting it in writing.
I have known that I am a male since I was ....years old, and throughout all this years I have been living unhappy and anxious. Having to constantly "play the female role," not only fills me with sadness but it also interferes with my ability to learn and progress towards my goals.
I have done a lot of research on my condition; termed "Gender Dysphoria," and the new medical research indicates that "gender dysphoria" is a biological medical condition rather than a "life style" or a choice." Yet knowing what is and what it may have caused does little to alleviate my condition.
I cannot longer live ignoring who I am, and I am resolved to live a truthful life but I cannot do it alone, the help of my family and friends, and especially of you Mom and Dad, is much needed and wanted.
Love,

[D0LL]

Basically keep it light, short and to the point. Your parents will have a plethora of their own questions to ask.

Firstly, it's no one fault. No one is to blame. Secondly, it's a recognised medical condition, well researched and documented. It carries no shame, guilt or humiliation, unless you want it to.

Thirdly. You are still the same person you have always been, albeit now a bit more honest about who you really are.

Pass it over to Q & A time.

This pretty well goes for everyone. Remember the K.I.S.S principle. Keep It Simple, Stupid. Everyone will have their particular questions that need answering. They don't need the Gettysburg address.

Haha, I really like that! I think your post makes a lot of sense, and it will definitely help me in coming out. I'm considering coming out to my boyfriend today, so I'm going to keep this in mind and run over the simplest way to spill the beans on my way to his house. Fingers crossed!

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Doll,

We'll be thinking of you. Hope it all goes well. Not knowing much about your relationship, just make sure you are in a safe situation, or can get to one quickly, should the need arise.

iPhone have an app called "Circle of Six" It enables you to immediately contact up to 6 friends to summons help. Not sure if Android have something similar.

Keep in touch and let us know who you are coping.

Huggs
Catherine

[D0LL]

We'll be thinking of you. Hope it all goes well. Not knowing much about your relationship, just make sure you are in a safe situation, or can get to one quickly, should the need arise.

iPhone have an app called "Circle of Six" It enables you to immediately contact up to 6 friends to summons help. Not sure if Android have something similar.

iPhone? Android? I'm not made of money! I've got one of those crappy pay-as-you-go "toy" phones. Haha!
That is helpful, though, for those who might be worried about their safety.

I sat him down outside under his back deck; I didn't feel endangered, but I was feeling pretty anxious about the situation in general, and felt less trapped that way. ^^; We also smoked cigs together, and I think that helped ease the tension a little.

He...is in entirely too much shock to honestly have a valid opinion at this point. Which, I can't blame him! So I guess time will tell...

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Doll,

I'm pleased the event went reasonably well for you. Expect a bit of a roller coaster ride over the near future, as your boyfriend thinks about the consequences and talks to different people about it. So for a time, if he is still with you, his opinion may swing between good and bad.

And on a slightly different note. You can never let your guard down, no matter where or when you are. Arriving home at the train station tonight, with a short, well lit walk to my car, some 'creep' followed me and pulled up to ask for help in finding a well known local entertainment spot. Needless to say, with my keys protruding from a clenched fist, I double timed it to the car. And this is a safe part of town.

Be careful is who you tell about yourself. You can never judge other peoples reactions.

Be safe, well and happy.

Huggs
Catherine