A new beginning

[davina61]

So where's the smile? Just joking , looking good dear without HRT.

[maybesoph]

Thankyou so much:)

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[maybesoph]

I CAME OUT TO MY PARENTS, YES!!!!

Gin is definitely a girls best friend. Went out for a drink Friday and severely over indulged in pink gins. My mood took a downturn later in the evening and I went outside and just broke down and wept.
My brother who I'm very close too came out to find me & see what was wrong, after a while I finally blurted it all out to him & he wasn't bothered in the slightest, his reply was tell me something I don't know.
Anyway it's about 0100 when this is happening and were only a few hundred yards from my parents house, so my brother frogmarched me straight there, as in his words now or never.
So 5 minutes later I'm sat in my parents front room, crying, again...
My brother is the one who told them as I just couldn't think of how to say it at all.
His eloquence here was great...
"Basically mum and dad I'm your only son"
Now my mum and dad are 66 and 72 years old, and I was expecting rejection to be honest, but I was so wrong.
They were so supportive that it's just overwhelming.
My mum is more concerned with safety of myself and the pressure from others, my dad I think just wanted to go to bed
Another few minutes a d my sister in law turns up, and again  my loud brother tells her and she looked taken aback, but I spoke to her the next day and all she wants is me to be happy.
My wife who met us at parents and was adamant no-one else should know for a long time, sat and listened & I think she realised I needed to get this out there.

Now I'm very lucky & I know this, whatever happens from here on in I now know that I have family around me for support.
My poor wife has been a rock even though she's struggling to process everything, so the good thing is I don't have just her to burden with thoughts, and it gives me more time with her without my transition popping up every 2 minutes.

I've an older sister in Wales that I'm going to email as she has a right to now too, how she will react I don't know, but we'll see.

It's been a massive massive boost to me & I can't wait for my journey to keep rolling forwards now. Long way to go but the handbrake is truly off now and I'm in gear.

Soph.

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[Northern Star Girl]

Well this is me, getting braver now. I may only be in a vehicle but I'm getting out slowly.
I know I have so far to go and can't wait for hrt now, but this photo has got me glimpsing the future, and it feels amazing.
I've so many issues at home and not ready to come out fully as I'm respecting my wife's wishes to give her time too, just wish I could shout it from the rooftops but one day.....

I've had a bumpy week so to feel positive for once I thought I'd put a happy post up.

Sophie.

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@maybesoph   
Dear Sophie:  Thank you for posting your latest "car selfie" ... you look great...   yes, isn't it great to start feeling positive and happy.
For all of us, our attitudes and demeanor regarding ourselves is a very important step in not only our transition journey but also our good health and well being.   I am looking forward to following your transition progress as you continue to keep your thread updated and of course your posting replies on the other various threads on the Susan's Place Forums.

OH, and as @davina61 kiddingly mentioned in her reply...  "So where's the smile?"   In reality a big smile on your face and holding your head high as you go out among the masses as Sophie does a lot in bolstering your self-confidence and self-assurance.   

Thanks again for keeping us all updated.   
Hugs, and well wishes,
Danielle

[maybesoph]

Hi Danielle.

Thankyou for the kind words, means a lot.
Your positive attitude lifts me everyday reading your responses so thankyou.


OH, and as @davina61 kiddingly mentioned in her reply...  "So where's the smile?"   In reality a big smile on your face and holding your head high as you go out among the masses as Sophie does a lot in bolstering your self-confidence and self-assurance.   

Regarding this I promise to try next time, honest.

Soph.

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[davina61]

Well look at you OUT. Now it all starts !!!! I got gendered correctly today by a stranger (receptionist ) wait till that happens love.

[Northern Star Girl]

Well look at you OUT. Now it all starts !!!! I got gendered correctly today by a stranger (receptionist ) wait till that happens love.

@davina61 :   
Dear Davina:  I am rejoicing with you.... being out and correctly gendered is such an affirming and gratifying experience.
With your legal name changed and with your good experiences so far that you have posted about, you have very obviously made great progress in your transition journey... and there are more good things to come your way.
Thanks for posting your good news....
... it is encouraging to all us that read things like you and many have posted on this @maybesoph thread and the various other threads on the Forums.
Hugs,
Danielle

[maybesoph]

Well look at you OUT. Now it all starts !!!! I got gendered correctly today by a stranger (receptionist ) wait till that happens love.

It feels great, it really does. Just a lot of people to go that still feels me with apprehension, however I'm happy and that's something I've not been in a long time.
Davina I can't wait to have the days I'm correctly gendered you must feel elated, I'm so happy for you. It's a good day.

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[pamelatransuk]

Hello again Sophie

It is wonderful to read that you have come out to your brother, to your parents and to your sister and that it all went so well. I am so happy for you and that you have so many family members for support. I assume you have told your other sister by e-mail and hope she is also supportive.

Stay safe as mum advises and try not to bother about pressure from others - I know some put up barriers - but it your life and you naturally wish to live as the true you.

Wishing you more future successes.

Hugs

Pamela

[maybesoph]

Hello again Sophie

It is wonderful to read that you have come out to your brother, to your parents and to your sister and that it all went so well. I am so happy for you and that you have so many family members for support. I assume you have told your other sister by e-mail and hope she is also supportive.

Stay safe as mum advises and try not to bother about pressure from others - I know some put up barriers - but it your life and you naturally wish to live as the true you.

Wishing you more future successes.

Hugs

Pamela

Thankyou Pamela,

I aooreciate the kind comments and thoughts, feels great knowing im not totally alone apart from the trappings of mind.
I'm trying to word the email to my sister, but can't seem to find the right words, I'll get there....



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[maybesoph]

Gay pride Brighton booked.

Right, I've done it. Hotel booked, tickets booked & wife invited so no going back now.
I'm going in boy mode for the first afternoon, but I'm going to get changed early evening at our hotel and go out as Sophie for the first time openly.
I kept thinking do I go somewhere quiet at first for a quick walk but then thought, No! Be bold make a statement, swallow my fears hold my head up and just try and own it.
Figure Pride weekend may be about the most unjudging environment to step into, who knows but I'm hoping it gives me confidence to go out as my true self again the next morning into the big scary wide world.

Trying to stay and keep positive.

Oh, had my bloods done today too & once results are in, so hoping hrt is now getting even closer.

Sophie.

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[maybesoph]

Having a fantastic weekend, met with my mum & dad Friday evening to discuss things.
I thought they were conservative but they have blown me away with love and understanding.
My mum's only reservation is getting any ridicule from the public. I've assured her with support I'm stronger now than I've ever been & I've never been happier.
My wife can't face seeing me in pain with the laser hair removal but mum wants to come ( she may have a hidden sadistic side) so I'll have someone to let me squeeze their hands to death when I get zapped.
They asked fantastically informed questions after both watching YouTube for hours, I know I maybe the luckiest girl in the world now, I've been open and honest completely with them and feel closer to them than ice ever been.
I know it's not going to be easy but I'm finally ready to be me, openly.

I know I'm gushing but after years of fear of rejection I can't believe the reactions,love and kindness. Even my sister-in-law who is stunningly beautiful is happy and offering help and advice.

Hope you all find happiness too this weekend.

Sophie

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[davina61]

That's what I found, you will get the stares and second looks (ignore them) but so far not found anyone with a bad thing to say and most are positive and encouraging . Good luck as you venture forth.

[maybesoph]

Thanks Davina,
I've found so far there's a lot more positive people in the world than I thought. I know there's going to be idiots but hopefully I'll be strong enough to ignore them

Sophie

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[maybesoph]

Another step forwards,

Told a female friend I've known since childhood, thinking it'll go either way, she has been fantastic.
I'm still not out yet, but growing my hair for the last 8 months it's at an inbetween stage, so she suggested wearing a headband which I've done now for 3 days and dya know I was conscious at first but then you ignore it and carry on, most people really don't seem to care. Had a few comments but just bat them off saying it's my head not yours.
She's helped to finally convince me to do something I've always wanted, so I've now booked a lash lift n tint & brow shaping.
She's adamant she's coming and is now my official fashion and hair advisor lol. She's also a cosmetics saleswoman so that's handy too.
My wife I think is happier as it stops me unloading thoughts onto her or keep bringing it up, whereas my friend seems more excited than me & it feels like finally I'm coming round to being myself.
Another great weekend so staying beyond positive and looking forwards.
Wish you all well x

Sophie

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[CallmeMegan]

Hi Sophie

Congrats on the coming out to your family and now your friend. It's always inspiring to read about others coming out as it gives me a boost. I'm still to come out to anyone and I fully appreciate your description of the roller coaster ride that all of this is.
You have taken huge strides in the past few weeks and you should be proud of that. As others have said before look after your own safety and your own happiness and hopefully you'll continue to have the support of your wife and family.

BTW loved your point about holding your head high.

Megan x

[Northern Star Girl]

Another step forwards,

Told a female friend I've known since childhood, thinking it'll go either way, she has been fantastic.
I'm still not out yet, but growing my hair for the last 8 months it's at an inbetween stage, so she suggested wearing a headband which I've done now for 3 days and dya know I was conscious at first but then you ignore it and carry on, most people really don't seem to care. Had a few comments but just bat them off saying it's my head not yours.
She's helped to finally convince me to do something I've always wanted, so I've now booked a lash lift n tint & brow shaping.
She's adamant she's coming and is now my official fashion and hair advisor lol. She's also a cosmetics saleswoman so that's handy too.
My wife I think is happier as it stops me unloading thoughts onto her or keep bringing it up, whereas my friend seems more excited than me & it feels like finally I'm coming round to being myself.
Another great weekend so staying beyond positive and looking forwards.
Wish you all well x

Sophie

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@maybesoph
Dear Sophie:  This is very exciting news, I recall when I first did the eye brow shaping and other simpler cosmetic alterations to help me look more feminine.... I was both nervous and excited and when I looked into the mirror it was for sure happiness very rewarding to see my new look.
   
Feminizing your face appearance with simple cosmetic procedures will do a lot for your pass-ability, self-assurance and confidence as you continue your journey. It is absolutely wonderful that your spouse is supporting you with her cis-woman advice and has become your fashion advisor.

Of course you know what this means..... pictures!!!!  But only post them if you feel comfortable doing so.
Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

[maybesoph]

Feminizing your face appearance with simple cosmetic procedures will do a lot for your pass-ability, self-assurance and confidence as you continue your journey. It is absolutely wonderful that your spouse is supporting you with her cis-woman advice and has become your fashion advisor.

Thankyou Danielle

My wife's supporting me a lot, it's actually my best female friend who's pushing me forwards as she's suspected for years apparently, if only id known. She echoes you saying just do this you'll love it after.

Feeling so happy at the moment I may burst, Feel like I'm coming alive.

Sophie x

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[maybesoph]

Hi Megan

Thankyou for all the kind words it means a lot. Such a kind way to go but loving 5he baby steps so far

Sophie

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[davina61]

Well done , its good to have support and a bonus help with the cosmetics , getting there (where ever there is??)