When I came out to my straight friends (my parents are both dead) I began by saying something like:
"I have something I want to tell you about me that I've been keeping secret for many years. I'm transgendered. When I was about 4 I realized I should be a girl. I've been wearing women's clothes since I was 9."
I didn't go into details on the first go-round but would answer, honestly and openly, any questions. This can be real surprise (or maybe not

), and most people take a little while to think about it, so don't leap right into SRS and all that. Keep it general. And do it with confidence that you know what you are saying and that there is nothing wrong with being TG. If you fully accept yourself it will help others accept you.
Good luck, honey. The first step is usually the hardest.
- Kate