Well, I've seen advice from folks willing me to 'just do it' when it comes to coming out.. and foolishly I ignored them. ;) Well, not really - I've preferred to get over my crushing fears and display a certain degree of confidence before coming out to anyone, as it makes things better for all concerned.
I sent out messages to my closest friends this weekend - all those who still didn't know and to whom I felt I owed a personal response. I did so because my GIC appointment has been brought forward and I'm taking that opportunity to spur myself on. It made for a hard couple of afternoons but I got there, writing on impulse and sending the message as soon as it was done - not stopping to let the letter fester, and have my internal conversation run dry. I wanted things to sound as though I were addressing my friend in person, as I do speak to each one from slightly a different viewpoint.. so I think that worked out well.
- One friend already knew - he was grateful and supportive for me having 'come clean' at last (my words). D'oh. :P
- One friend had some inklings, but seemed relieved more than anything - turns out he's had a cousin transition some time ago, so he's seen first-hand how much of an improvement it can make upon a person.
- My former housemate hadn't had any prior experience or any idea I was experiencing gender dysphoria, but wrote back with a very supportive message anyway. The fact we've had to continue our friendship from either end of an MMO probably lends the situation some perspective too. I explained it was a bit of a 'real-life avatar' sort of thing. ;)
So in short, I may just have gotten
very lucky with my circle of friends ('specially with Pebbles having popped up in there too :D), but I'm also finding out there genuinely is some awareness out there. Everyone I've told (save for my family) has either known somebody who's transitioned, or has heard enough to know about gender dysphoria and not, as I'd dreaded, some maligned, sensationalist interpretation of what transsexuality is.
So I concur with the advice - telling your friends is a
good move.
I thought you already told them... Bearing in mind that I started looking for you and found after some of my female friends went. "I think sinnyo (but with your guy name) might be transgender."
I mean damn it they already know about me as I came out quite few months before you and presumably you didn't get any invitations from them to join a lynch mob and bear witness to the public burning of a sinful heretic.