Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Coming out of the closet => Topic started by: KayeGirl on September 15, 2014, 01:47:07 PM

Title: Coming Out to Family
Post by: KayeGirl on September 15, 2014, 01:47:07 PM
I came out as a gay man when I was 16 and my family were pretty mixed in their response. Over time, they've accepted this and even my Dad who is pretty.....shall we say....traditional.....has no real issue with it but now I'm frightened because I've got to come out again, this time as my true self. I'm worried that they've accepted the idea of homosexuality but transsexuality might be a step too far for them. I came out today to my friends via Facebook and I don't have family on there because I always planned to do it that way but I'm now trying to remember how I came out before and will that be the best way forward?

I'm 27 and single, I have no children and I live with my grandmother who I know will accept it with no problem at all. Part of me thinks that I'm secure and that if the rest of my family don't want to accept it then I'll learn to live without them but the other part is dreading having the barrier come down. I don't know how to go about it, especially as I'm not living full time yet.

Any advice gratefully received!
Title: Re: Coming Out to Family
Post by: CoolGuy on September 16, 2014, 06:00:40 PM
I don't know much to tell except this: Be confident, be yourself, say exactly how feel and how you feel about things. JUst say all things that you have always wanted to tell them. It will not be easy and they may not take it well. If they don't take it well, then leave them alone and let them get used to it. It may take them a while accept it. It may take them awhile to get used to the fact that you are trans. They will finally accept it and if anything you will feel better about yourself. You won't have to live without your family if you don't want to. Some of your family is likely to be supportive and help explain things to the rest of the family. In the beginning you will have the support of your friends while your family is getting used to whole idea of everything you have said to them. I hope I helped at least a little bit.
Title: Re: Coming Out to Family
Post by: amber roskamp on September 16, 2014, 11:05:19 PM
hey at least you know that they accept non hetero sexual orientations. that is a good sign that they will accept you gender identity as well, though it is more radical. but I feel like many of the people that oppose trans people also oppose gay people.
Title: Re: Coming Out to Family
Post by: Ferretty on September 17, 2014, 08:28:20 PM
Quotehey at least you know that they accept non hetero sexual orientations. that is a good sign that they will accept you gender identity as well, though it is more radical. but I feel like many of the people that oppose trans people also oppose gay people.
Yeah, I think many people oppose both trans or gay or neither because lots of religions group them up and throw them in the "evil" box. So yeah it is pretty cool that you at least know they are accepting of non hetero sexuality. Either way, best of luck to you.