Came out today

[Alora]

Hey folks,

So today has been one big step after another. Not only did I make my HRT intake appointment I came out to one total stranger and an acquaintance at my college that knew me from the last time I attended there. I was really nervous. This community was a lot easier to come out to because of the level of anonymity. But as soon as I came out and talked with them for a little bit the nervousness just washed away. I left feeling so much better about myself.

Has anyone else had similar stories?

Love you all 💋❤️💋

Alora

[Megan.]

That's great 😊.
I've found it only gets easier. Telling close family was the most terrifying thing I've ever done, but I'm very casual about it now. If I'm talking with someone and it's relevant then I'll raise it. I.e. At my last dentist visit I informed them at the end that at my next appointment I would likely have a different name and gender, they were fine 😊.

[KathyLauren]

Congratulations, Alora!  Coming ont for the first time is a huge step.

Comig out to my wife had me scared silly.  It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done.  But once I did it and she accepted me, coming out to others became much easier.  I made a point to come out to quite a few old friends just to ensure I had burned my bridges behind me.  I am not ever going back, and there are a bunch of people who will help make sure I don't.

[Denise]

I spent a week in Florida at a resort by myself shortly after coming out to a handful of people.  I had two very interesting conversations one day.

The first was at the hotel's outdoor hot tub.  I was wearing a men's style bathing suit and a tee shirt with red glossy nail polish on.  One of the other bathers there asked if I was "a member of the band."  He was a funny guy and we talked for about an hour about Gender Dysphoria and how it has affected me.

The second was at a bar.  I was sitting drinking my usual white wine at an outdoor bar watching a hockey game in a sweater dress and tights with heels, full makeup, no wig. (Passing?  HA! 6 months before I started HRT, Short hair, etc...   A couple came up and sat on the side of the bar next to where I was sitting (so I was facing north and they were facing west.  It was easy to talk and we talked for HOURS.  They were fascinated by what I was going through.

It felt great talking to all these people.  There were some random others but no long drawn out conversations.  I went to a Disney property and sat at a bar and talked to the bar tender in that same outfit and he didn't bat an eye.  Very professional.

It's a definite confidence builder and it also taught me that most people are curious or at worst - Just don't care.  (All but the guy who looked at me funny when I walked into the men's room)

Strangers can be run.

[EyesOpen]

First off, congrats! I'm at a similar point as you, and it's exciting!

And oh my, yes. Coming out is fantastic to a supportive group. I come out to my immediate family and a group of close friends, and it's so liberating having people know. I don't have to hide with them anymore, and it feels great!

Plus there's the unexpected bits of support that pop up from the really awesome people. A buddy who I just told called me pretty and started playfully hitting on me LOL. He and several others have made it clear that this won't affect anything between us and that they're available for support if I need it. Hearing that always makes me happy, each and every time

The more out I get, the happier I am. Conversation comes easier and is more fluid, I'm just comfortable in my skin for once, and it feels good. I'm excited for a day to come when I no longer have to hide at all, but my voice/appearance need quite a bit of work before then

[Alora]

I'm excited for a day to come when I no longer have to hide at all, but my voice/appearance need quite a bit of work before then

Oh My Gosh I totally connect with you on this. The voice thing has been my one bummer today. I started recording different octaves of my voice, but I'm such a bass it's depressing 😩😩

The body part I know I can do. I don't know what I'm going to do about my voice.

It really has been liberating. I came home today and started cleaning and started throwing out old bits of my past self.

[KathyLauren]

I don't know what I'm going to do about my voice.

I would recommend going to a good voice therapist/coach.  I have had half a dozen sessions with one, and it really helps.  One thing she told me is that the pitch of one's voice is not the main clue that identifies a voice as masculine or feminine.  It's the combination of resonance and intonation, which can be learned.  To convince me, she played a clip of Laverne Cox.  She has a very deep voice, but it sounds totally feminine because of the way she uses it.

[Cindy]

Congrats ladies I'm glad it has gone so well.

I'm sure you will find the only fear is fear itself.

[Alora]

I'm taking it nice and slow and being picky about who I come out to. I came out to a lawyer friend of mine who is also a transwoman. She's going to help me navigate the legal system in Washington. Yea!!! 😁😁😁

I'm also thinking about sending an email to my instructor since I see them 5 days a week for 5hrs a day. That's going to be an interesting email.

How much should I disclose? What's too much?

Love you ladies, thanks for your support 💋❤️💋

[Annushka]

Congrats, Alora!!

[Janes Groove]

At my last dentist visit I informed them at the end that at my next appointment I would likely have a different name and gender, they were fine 😊.

I went to my dentist last week dressed en femme and first told my hygienist who I have been seeing for over 20  years that I changed my name and was transitioning and asked her if it was a problem and offered to leave if it was. She said she was fine with it. Then later the dentist came in and I broke it down for him too and again offered him an out.  He said, "We don't judge." Some shocked faces that soon got used to the new reality. Nothing I haven't dealt with before. But that was a hard one. I hate going to the dentist to begin with. And to come out in a setting like that where one is so vulnerable. 

[Megan.]

I'm glad that was a positive experience Jane. I'm trying to give people advance warning so its not a complete surprise when they see Megan. I'm still at home recovering from my tummy tuck, one of my with colleagues came over to catch some TV. I'd told him a few weeks back about myself, but last night he was confronted with me in my pink girl pajamas and snuggly kitten socks, he was totally cool 😊, a true friend.