The last week has been an incredible whirlwind of coming out to some very close friends, family and important people. We finally came out to our two best friend/couples in our local community. Shock, but also love and support. Then came out to our pastor. Really held my breath there, but he was kind and didn't start preaching to me how what I was doing was evil etc. Prayed for us and said he would have to pray about it himself. We are pretty well known in the church and are involved in lots of activities, so careful consideration is warranted.
Came out to my best male friend going back to high school. My wife came out to some of her two best female friends. My youngest sister apparently just couldn't hold it in and told my two other sisters. To top it all off, we came out to my wife's mother and brother. Those were the real big ones for the week. All shocked, but also all supportive.
The only thing I have noticed is that "regular" guys (others I have told are gay or CD) seem to have the toughest time wrapping their head around this. They are supportive too, but their shock seems to last for days while the ladies seem to get used to it in pretty short order. Another interesting thing is that my wife's family pretty quickly fell in line where I was VERY fearful of rejection here. Could still happen, but they seem to be taking a "Leave them alone, don't judge and we'll see what happens" approach. They are very religious and that was part of my fear. First thing they did was have the head of their prayer circle go to church and pray about it. She reported that as soon as she was done that she got a strong voice that said "Leave her [my wife] alone. She is where I want her to be" or words to that effect. I don't know whether this is true or not, but I do know that it helps my family to not have to deal with her relatives preaching at us and for that I am very grateful.
So big week, but what this means is that the only person who doesn't know and is close to us is my mother. I need to tell her very soon, but I am nervous.
{{{{{{{{{{Melody}}}}}}}}}}}
Wow, you HAVE had a week. I think this is one of the hardest things, the fact that we have to keep coming out over and over again. Even to the same people - telling them is just the beginning. Then there's the first time they see us dressed (I haven't got there yet with anyone), and several other milestones. I do hope it gets easier, but from what I've heard, that's a faint hope. So, HUGS to you, girl, I know you have the strength, especially with your wife beside you. You're doing great!
I have yet to really tell any of my family about my girl side and, like you, I'm a bit nervous. At the very least, when you do finally go through with it, a part of you will be at peace knowing that the people closest you now all know you for who you really are deep inside. Right now, I don't feel that I need to tell my family because I don't plan on being Lexi when I see them. Nonetheless, I feel it's an inevitable thing and it'll happen eventually. Regardless of what happens, know that we'll be here in any event :)
Quote from: Lexine on September 21, 2010, 05:53:38 PM
I have yet to really tell any of my family about my girl side and, like you, I'm a bit nervous. At the very least, when you do finally go through with it, a part of you will be at peace knowing that the people closest you now all know you for who you really are deep inside. Right now, I don't feel that I need to tell my family because I don't plan on being Lexi when I see them. Nonetheless, I feel it's an inevitable thing and it'll happen eventually. Regardless of what happens, know that we'll be here in any event :)
Your girl side looks great Lexi! Your right about the peace part. I feel more at peace just knowing my wife's family all knows. I plan to tell my mom tomorrow.
Quote from: Colleen Ireland on September 21, 2010, 05:41:04 PM
{{{{{{{{{{Melody}}}}}}}}}}}
Wow, you HAVE had a week. I think this is one of the hardest things, the fact that we have to keep coming out over and over again. Even to the same people - telling them is just the beginning. Then there's the first time they see us dressed (I haven't got there yet with anyone), and several other milestones. I do hope it gets easier, but from what I've heard, that's a faint hope. So, HUGS to you, girl, I know you have the strength, especially with your wife beside you. You're doing great!
Yes, the repetition is very trying. So far doesn't look like things will get easier. My MIL saw some of the transformations on Susan's and was shocked. I think she had the idea that I would still be me and look like me, but in a dress and makeup. Now she is talking about seeing a therapist. Sigh. Therapists are getting rich off of my family.
you have had on rockin week, Melody. :D I hope the MIL isn't having a big problem with your news.
Quote from: Janet Lynn on September 21, 2010, 11:02:17 PM
you have had on rockin week, Melody. :D I hope the MIL isn't having a big problem with your news.
Both MIL and FIL have been ok. Today I tell my son's school and then my mother. Obviously my mom is the one that I am most concerned about.
Quote from: Melody on September 21, 2010, 10:27:36 PMSigh. Therapists are getting rich off of my family.
Off all of us, dear. Sure seems like a growth industry. Would be nice if it were declared an essential service...