Hi Gina,
Although I'm an SO, I am in therapy for issues of my own. It sounds to me that you should find a more "gender-friendly" therapist. I wouldn't think that telling people who you are is looking for approval. And who you are shouldn't be something you have to keep at home. You should be able to be who you are where ever you are. And who cares if you're looking for approval. Isn't that why we share our lives with people, to find some validation in the world?
I think the more you share, the more you find you're not alone in the world.
Hang in there,
Pam