There are over 700,000 that have had surgery, the exact number afflicted with GID is unknown. With those numbers it is more common than cleft palet, club foot, spina bifida, and downs syndrome. GID is considered a birth defect, as are the others. It is typically not due to anything you've done, nor that's been done to you. Personally, I have not gone through the surgery. I am just getting starting on that road. I am not yet on hormones, nor started facial hair removal (though, I will be starting this soon). I am semi-out. Which is to say, I still need to tell my dad, his side of the family, and those at work. Everyone else in my life knows, and most have been supportive. Those that have not been are of no great loss to me, for it is they who will suffer the loss of knowing the whole me; and in my opinion, I am awesome. I have been coming out as transgender since November, and just getting it out has been very theraputic in of it's self. But, I suggest looking up articles or publications about coming out transgender to parents. The more information you have when you do this and your place in it, the easier it is to explain. I am happy that you've found this site, there is so much support, and so many great people on here it makes it a valuable refuge to expess yourself openly. Be who you are, be honest with yourself, and the rest will be what it is.
