I'm already out to all the family and friends that I interact with on a regular basis, but not to those who live interstate/overseas.. I posted this on FB today as a way of coming out to them..
Here's what I posted:
OK, it's time I came clean about something.. Something that some of you will already know about, others might have an idea and for others this will come as a complete surprise.. This isn't an easy thing for me to do, but I must do it in order to move on with my life..
So what's the big secret? Well, it's no secret really.. I'm transgendered. What does transgendered mean, I hear you ask.. Well, here's a simple explanation.. It means that I was born with a male body and a female brain. I'm sure some of you are thinking 'Wow, what a freak!' and for a long time I would have agreed with you.
But something happened to me early last year that made me realise that I had to do something about it, as it was slowly destroying me and my life. Believe me, it wasn't an easy decision. So I did some research and made some quiet enquiries amongst the trans community about what to do.. As a result of this, I've been under the care of a specialist psychiatrist for the last year and he has helped me work through a number of issues. Subsequent to my diagnosis with Gender Identity Disorder, I was able to start hormonal reassignment about 5 months ago, in order to bring my body and brain chemistry in line with who I am - a woman.
I know some of you are now running for the hills and that's fine by me. It was a hard decision for me to make and I don't expect everyone to come along for the ride. But know this, the person you know hasn't really changed, I've always been me, it's mostly just a change of name and appearance.. In making this move, I've found happiness and contentment that I've never had in my life before.. I can actually relate to other people and share their feelings in a way I never could before. Most of you know what a depressed and miserable person I used to be.. Well, no longer.. I greet each day with a joy and energy unknown to me before.
In light of the changes in my life, this profile will disappear soon. I welcome you to add my new profile: Kelly XXXXXXX.. I understand many of you won't and I'd like you to know that I have loved you for being my friend and knowing me over the years. Those that do, I welcome with open arms.. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have, I've gone through it so many times now that I'd be surprised if any questions you might ask offend me..
With love to all,
Kelly
Nice one Sis
Cindy
Thanks Cindy.. This wasn't the plan, but oh well, transition plans are like battle plans - they rarely survive first contact..