Community Conversation => Transitioning => Topic started by: WydeEyedDoe on May 03, 2016, 01:55:26 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Random Coming Out Story
Post by: WydeEyedDoe on May 03, 2016, 01:55:26 AM
I was innocently eating a snack when my father asked me how life was going. I answered generally that things were fine (although we all know that doesn't mean happy). He then asked me how my counseling was going? Whether or not I thought that my current counselor was right for me. For a second I didn't know what to say. Then I told him that the counselor was a little passive for my taste but I could really manage it. Then I had ended up divulging that I was seeing the counselor because of gender incongruence issues. He had a fair amount of questions, of course, but in the end he was totally supportive. He had a little trouble with it. He kept on saying "You're my son, I love you no matter what" (which I'm focusing on the latter part of the statement. I wanted to scream "Daughter!" but he was already one mixed drink in so I'll forgive him). He said he had remembered some times in the past where he thought something that I was internalizing. It was good. I think it was the first time I had been honest with him about it and i'm glad that he knows and is supportive. I'm glad he's a very open-minded person. I'm proud that he's my father. -Doe
Title: Re: Random Coming Out Story
Post by: Katiepie on May 03, 2016, 02:27:25 AM
Glad to hear things went well with what happened.
I know too well with the yelling in the head to try and correct family members. For my case, though I do forgive them slightly, as they knew me 28 years of my life or close to that, before I let them know. I especially relate to yelling in my head when family that knows is with family that knows and they still refer to me with my birth name or male pronouns and such. But really honestly I am expecting a 1:1 ratio of when things will be full with them, so any time before another 28 years and they refer to me as daughter/sister, etc... Then its a total success to me. Anything past that, then it becomes ignorance.

The only one that does refer to me as Kate is my cousin, and she even writes down on Christmas cards and invitations and such as "To Auntie Patti & Kate". So I do have a slight accomplishment already with my extended family.

Kate <3
Title: Re: Random Coming Out Story
Post by: Rebecca on May 03, 2016, 05:40:39 AM
Very happy to hear of your family being supportive.

Bodes well for the years ahead.
I'm sure he'll learn eventually but sounds like he's off to a great start.
Title: Re: Random Coming Out Story
Post by: Denise on May 06, 2016, 11:32:29 AM
Any chance he was confused between gender orientation and gender identity?  That might explain the "your my son" comment.

Congratulations, Dads can be tough.
Title: Re: Random Coming Out Story
Post by: Midnightstar on June 02, 2016, 10:49:46 PM
Quote from: WydeEyedDoe on May 03, 2016, 01:55:26 AM
I was innocently eating a snack when my father asked me how life was going. I answered generally that things were fine (although we all know that doesn't mean happy). He then asked me how my counseling was going? Whether or not I thought that my current counselor was right for me. For a second I didn't know what to say. Then I told him that the counselor was a little passive for my taste but I could really manage it. Then I had ended up divulging that I was seeing the counselor because of gender incongruence issues. He had a fair amount of questions, of course, but in the end he was totally supportive. He had a little trouble with it. He kept on saying "You're my son, I love you no matter what" (which I'm focusing on the latter part of the statement. I wanted to scream "Daughter!" but he was already one mixed drink in so I'll forgive him). He said he had remembered some times in the past where he thought something that I was internalizing. It was good. I think it was the first time I had been honest with him about it and i'm glad that he knows and is supportive. I'm glad he's a very open-minded person. I'm proud that he's my father. -Doe

Congratulations in coming out to your father i'm glad it went well for you :)