Thank you Susan for starting this topic, and to all the ladies who have responded. I too, am in this group of transitioners with children in their 30's, and grand kids I adore, and this topic covers a source of anxiety for me. My children have known all their lives that their Dad has a strong feminine side, my daughter calls me "second Mum". My son knows that I cry at, well, almost anything emotional, but then, he does too. It's not so much my children, or grandchildren I worry about, but their extended families. I know my daughters in laws will make derogatory comments when they find out, and may pressure my son in law to keep me away from grand kids. I am very slowly easing through getting everybody used to an ever more feminine me, and hoping it all goes well. I'm also working at making myself so much a part of their lives that they would have trouble cutting me out.
Neighbours are another challenge altogether. All my neighbours know I am the long haired house keeper who does all the domestic duties while my wife does all the outside work at home. I'm tipping many would have noticed there are only female clothes on our washing line except for my work uniforms. The keener eyes would also notice two different sizes of everything, especially bras. I'm not expecting them to understand, but I'm not expecting them to be shocked either.
My plan is to wait until HRT has people asking what is going on before I come out, as I believe it will be easier for people to accept if the vision before them matches the gender I must be. It is still a scary part of transition, and I have gained so much insight form this topic, so, once again, thank you all.
Allie