Hello,
I have a few close female friends, some I have met in programs, others from college, and my wife. I grew up with about twenty boys my age who all wanted to be tough, masculine, be cool and hang out. None of them were ever ready to accept my sexuality, let alone my being a Transgender Woman. They are no longer my friends. I haven't spoken to any of them except one in twenty years. My biological family are sometimes my friends, but sometimes serve as obstacles. It was difficult for me to be friends with women without burdening our relationship with sexual suggestions. My changing and feminizing my name to be intersex legally may have been the cause of confusion amongst my girlfriends. I am thankful, but still can feel less than when reaching out and not getting a response. I have friends from twelve step fellowships who know exactly what my sexual orientation is, and a sponsor who is also gay. I do not have friends who I can just call with any issue, my LGBT therapist is the one who fits that bill. I suppose I have a mutual interest with a large circle of friends who like to remain within safe distance from each other. In my case I am thankful for our willingness, and can understand not wanting to get caught or victimized by emotional traps, entanglements and peer pressure. My wife has been the most accepting in my transitioning, unfortunately a lot of what we experience with my being on HRT is more like friendship than raw passion.
