You've had years to come to terms with who you are. And most of us took a very long time to accept ourselves. So remember that this is still very new to them. And I imagine they have very little experience with trans people. So reconciling who you are with their preconceived (and incorrect) ideas about trans people will just take time.
Quote from: awilliams1701 on August 31, 2014, 01:32:06 PM
I learned a long time ago that being christian means exactly two things. Believing in Jesus and Loving everyone. I've had trouble loving everyone, but I think I've done well. I wish more people could see it that way. My dad brought up the fact that when Jesus said let he who is without sin throw the first stone. Jesus was the only one and he didn't throw any stones. Instead we live in a society where christianity means hating people who don't adhere to a twisted interpretation of a politically translated version of the bible (king james).
I also grew up in a conservative home, and am still a committed Christian. And unfortunately I think you're exactly right when you say that there's a difference between how most church-goers act and how Jesus taught us to act. Most are so dogmatic, feeling like they're defending God, that they don't see how hurtful they are. They often say "love the sinner, hate the sin." But if they're really honest with themselves, they hate both of them.
Being transgender isn't a sin, and I'm more than happy to open the Bible and prove my point. But that's not really going to win them over. As others have said, don't burn your bridges, but don't accept abuse either. Keep the lines of communication open, and hopefully they'll come around. You can't control them, but you can control your proximity to them.
I wish you the best!
