So, I took a big but sure step today. I've come out to a few people so far: My sister, my best friend, the man who helped jumpstart my self-awareness, and my therapist. Today I made the decision to come out to the rest of my friends. I can't be myself with my family or at my job, but I want at least one aspect of my life where I'm not physically and emotionally stuffed into the boy costume. So, I composed a group Facebook message to 6 of my friends in the area. I told them what was happening, how it had impacted my personality in the past and present, and that I would like to be called by my chosen name once they felt comfortable.
Resounding. Success. I got an outpouring of love, support, and offers of help and encouragement. Nearly every one of them was happy to use my new name in their return messages. I haven't got a chance to see them in real life yet, but I have faith in them. I think they'll rise to the occasion.
If all of my coming outs could be this easy, I'd count myself the luckiest girl in the world.
I hope all of you have similar happy stories, now and in the future!
Hugs and Kisses,
Tamika
