Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Coming out of the closet => Topic started by: Bari Jo on December 08, 2017, 09:48:38 AM

Title: Extended family outs
Post by: Bari Jo on December 08, 2017, 09:48:38 AM
I've got Xmas coming up and I'll be there along with my dad, his twin, my cousin and old friend from Santa Cruz.  My sister and mom want me to come out to my cousin and friend, which is weird that they are planning my coming outs.  My cousin will be supportive.  She's a burning man hippie type.  My Santa Cruz friend I think will also be supportive.  I don't plan on telling my uncle, but my dad might, and it would be nice if my cousin was there as an ally.  She is my uncles best friend as well as daughter.  They are basically inseparable.

My mom told her boyfriend too and I went to high school with his daughters.  Even though he was told to not tell anyone I'm expecting everybody from my high school to know shortly. I literally have never been back to that town or gone to any reunion as I was never comfortable with myself there. I'm expecting a lot of angry letters from past girlfriends.

I'm kind of rambling, but also foggy on what the future holds.

Bari Jo
Title: Re: Extended family outs
Post by: Faith on December 08, 2017, 09:51:29 AM
I'd like to point out that it appears for every 'bleak' post you make, it ends up being a bright shining light for you and everyone reading.

just sayin' .......
Title: Re: Extended family outs
Post by: Bari Jo on December 08, 2017, 10:02:25 AM
Quote from: Faith on December 08, 2017, 09:51:29 AM
I'd like to point out that it appears for every 'bleak' post you make, it ends up being a bright shining light for you and everyone reading.

just sayin' .......

I'm sorry if I sound bleak sometimes.  I use these forums for therapy, and I'm grateful for all advice.  Sometimes my experiences do end up well, and I'm glad others enjoy reading them.   My dad is still not supportive and is barely in the accepting category, but I'm trying with him.  I do send links to certain threads to my sister and mom, just so they can see how much we all appreciate understanding family.

Bari Jo
Title: Re: Extended family outs
Post by: Faith on December 08, 2017, 10:43:14 AM
I'm probably projecting a bit. Bleak was a bit too strong a word. I've been moody recently.

What I really mean is, it's more likely it'll work out and not fret over it  .. happy thoughts :)
Title: Re: Extended family outs
Post by: Denise on December 08, 2017, 11:51:12 AM
About old girlfriends... Of those that I can find, they are all accepting.  In fact I'm first girlfriend lives 800 miles from me and we try to get together as often as possible. BTW her name is Denise and up I asked her permission to use it too before I announced it publicly.  She was visibly happy with my choice and emphatically endorsed it.

I really can't wait for our next reunion.  I already have the dress for it.  ;)

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Extended family outs
Post by: Laurie K on December 08, 2017, 11:56:45 AM
Can I offer my experience?  Comming out is one of the most fearful, stressful things we will do in life. I went crazy with worry before sitting down with family or friends to  "have the chat".  I won some I lost some, at the end of it all, I gained people who accept me for who i am, and those that don't I have with some disappointment let go.  People will out you without your consent or knowledge, we are good gossip.  I guess I look at it, that the bad will weed themselves out and disassociate from me and the cream will rise.  The end result, I regret nothing. I have been really lucky.  Best to you Bari Jo!
Title: Re: Extended family outs
Post by: Sno on December 08, 2017, 01:11:52 PM
Sweetie, the fact that they want to help is a way that they feel like they can show their support for you. However, (you just knew that was coming), it's your choice to whom you come out to, not theirs - you need to set a few boundaries girlfriend - that's the second 'chat' lol!

Good luck!

Rowan
Title: Re: Extended family outs
Post by: Bari Jo on December 08, 2017, 02:37:26 PM
Thanks everyone.  I think I should just do it with these people, and not worry about gossip.  The gossip will happen anyway, and probably has always happened, I just wasn't aware of it.  I mentioned this to my sister, saying the bigger the secret, the more likely the gossip will be shared, and that this is a Juicy Secret.  That is now her nickname for me, Juicy Secret.  Ahh, siblings:)

Bari Jo
Title: Re: Extended family outs
Post by: LJH24 on December 09, 2017, 12:44:21 PM
I just wanted to offer my support. I'm sure the holidays must be very stressful. I'll be thinking about you and hope it all goes smoothly and you find yourself with a nice big family support group. <3