Community Conversation => Transitioning => Coming out of the closet => Topic started by: allisonsteph on June 24, 2014, 09:46:12 AM Return to Full Version
Title: My coming out on Facebook post
Post by: allisonsteph on June 24, 2014, 09:46:12 AM
Post by: allisonsteph on June 24, 2014, 09:46:12 AM
Now that it's been nearly six full months since I came out on Facebook, I thought I would like to share my coming out message for those that are considering it and looking for ideas on how to word their post:
On this the last day of 2013 I feel that I should share the changes that are happening in my life...
There is no easy way to say it other than be blunt:
I am transgendered.
I have been living full time as a woman for about three months now. From this point forward I would ask that people call me by my preferred name of Allison. I would also ask that you use female pronouns when speaking to or about me.
I realize that this may be shocking to some of you. I have struggled with my gender identity for my entire life. I have tried drinking and drugging my issues away. I have tried therapy. I have explored other things that I'd rather not speak about here. Nothing has made these things go away. Early in 2013 I started addressing my issues head on. It has not been an easy process by any stretch of the imagination.
I hope that most people will be respectful and accept me as the same person they have always known, but with a slightly different body and different clothing. I realize that this wish is not realistic. I know that this is a change that is hard for many people to accept, understand, or tolerate. Please be aware that this is not something that is a whim or that I am taking lightly. Transitioning has caused a lot of pain and destruction in my life. As difficult as that is the alternative was far more grim.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope that you are still here and still consider me your friend. If not, I wish you well, and would hope that you wish the same for me.
Happy New Year
I had one family member make a nasty comment and two people unfriend me, but other than that the reaction I received was largely positive. In fact I have become closer with several of my female cousins since coming out. While it was terrifying to write and post it, it still beat lying and covering it up.
On this the last day of 2013 I feel that I should share the changes that are happening in my life...
There is no easy way to say it other than be blunt:
I am transgendered.
I have been living full time as a woman for about three months now. From this point forward I would ask that people call me by my preferred name of Allison. I would also ask that you use female pronouns when speaking to or about me.
I realize that this may be shocking to some of you. I have struggled with my gender identity for my entire life. I have tried drinking and drugging my issues away. I have tried therapy. I have explored other things that I'd rather not speak about here. Nothing has made these things go away. Early in 2013 I started addressing my issues head on. It has not been an easy process by any stretch of the imagination.
I hope that most people will be respectful and accept me as the same person they have always known, but with a slightly different body and different clothing. I realize that this wish is not realistic. I know that this is a change that is hard for many people to accept, understand, or tolerate. Please be aware that this is not something that is a whim or that I am taking lightly. Transitioning has caused a lot of pain and destruction in my life. As difficult as that is the alternative was far more grim.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope that you are still here and still consider me your friend. If not, I wish you well, and would hope that you wish the same for me.
Happy New Year
I had one family member make a nasty comment and two people unfriend me, but other than that the reaction I received was largely positive. In fact I have become closer with several of my female cousins since coming out. While it was terrifying to write and post it, it still beat lying and covering it up.
Title: Re: My coming out on Facebook post
Post by: AnneB on June 24, 2014, 10:30:32 AM
Post by: AnneB on June 24, 2014, 10:30:32 AM
Allison,
I know it took a lot of courage to write it. It took a lot more to actually post it. I'm not strong enough yet. I know the day will come when I will have to be. I have endless hugs for you. Those that have left you, you did not need. Yes, you will miss them, but your circle of friends will be stronger now. Warm smiles for you.
Paula
I know it took a lot of courage to write it. It took a lot more to actually post it. I'm not strong enough yet. I know the day will come when I will have to be. I have endless hugs for you. Those that have left you, you did not need. Yes, you will miss them, but your circle of friends will be stronger now. Warm smiles for you.
Paula
Title: Re: My coming out on Facebook post
Post by: ChelseaAnn on June 30, 2014, 01:29:43 AM
Post by: ChelseaAnn on June 30, 2014, 01:29:43 AM
I'm out to most of my family, but I can't wait to post something similar ;D
Btw Paula, I love that song in your signature. Such an inspiration.
Btw Paula, I love that song in your signature. Such an inspiration.