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Negative coming out reactions from parents and peers

Started by Damian, June 25, 2013, 11:40:22 AM

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Damian

So..
I came out to my parents through a letter, like everybody has said to do, so they can have theier own private reactions and I could get down all of my thoughts. But it didnt turn out like I had hoped. My parents felt they had to let me know all of their reactions, but they were there to assure me that "we are not trying to make you feel guilty but..." Some statement how I was the only one they tried for since my dad always wanted a little girl. Or how its a trend socially how everyone is saying theyre are queer just to be cool. Or how my mom went through thimking she was a guy since she liked trucks and 'boy things' and I tried to explain that it ran deeper than that, how I felt when I look down im not expecting my body, but a masculine one. Then they asked me if I was insecure in my body couldnt say yes or I would be pegged that I was insecure in a female body and was trying to find a stronger identity to identify with. So I was told I was going through a phase and told icould be brought to a councellor, I said yes hoping to get a professional to back me up. Two months later no councellor.
So coming out to a couple of friends, my best friend at the time, now my boyfriend whom im insanely inlove with. Well one of my friends thought it would be fun to tell my homophobic friends to see if she could get a rise out of them. Well im happy im out of school now after getting verbally harrassed daily, one time getting my entire lunch table to agree that, me hoping to transition into manhood is the equivalent to me wanting to become a rocket, just because I think im a rocket and look like im a rocket doesnt mean I am one and ill beeffective as a rocket or should be accepted as one. Needless to say, my friend is the only one acceptive of me, and im terrified to come out to his homophobic family.
Hopefully youre doing better than me.
-Damian <3
Love has no gender.
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Andaya

That's an unfortunate reaction :( I'm sorry you're getting such a negative reaction from people. One thing that struck me was that you were still waiting to see a therapist. Do you want to? If so, I would totally take charge and make my own appointment. One of the first things I did when I first started considering transitioning was head to my insurance website and start researching. They both helpful for you to talk to and figure things out and they're in many cases necessary for future surgery. In your situation, it sounds like they could be helpful for making your parents realize this isn't a minor phase.
-Andaya
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Devlyn

You're doing fine, Damian. You started a conversation, and the reactions so far sound like what we usually hear. Time will tilt things in your favour. Hugs, Devlyn
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Simon

What Devlyn said.

It sucks to not be accepted right away but doesn't sound like you've been kicked out, disowned, or physically attacked so you're doing well. You have to keep pressing forward. I have found that acceptance with others usually comes when you're medically transitioning. At that point they can't deny it or say it's a phase since it's right in their faces. Then they see that the person inside doesn't change except they become more outgoing and happy.

Just keep on keepin' on.
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Damian

Thank you for all of your supportive responses, :), it means a lot to me.
@Andaya
I am a minor still living at home going to high school, so ive tried to look into going to a hormone therapist or one in general but the closest one is two hours away and I dont have parental consent, so I wouldnt even be able to get blood work done.
@Devlyn
I always get happy when you comment on one of my things because I know you bring brilliant words of wisdom with you and saying it in a way you are wonderfully supportive. :laugh: Thank you
@Simon
Thanks for the support, its thoroughly helpful and definitely boosts my morale and stubborness.
Thanks
-Damian
Love has no gender.
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Leo.

Sorry you didnt get the best reaction.. It can be hard to judge how people will react to it. Sometimes those we think would react the worst turn out to be the most supportive and vice versa. I can see their point of view there in that they think they are losing their daughter, though you are still the same person and always will be and if they gave it a chance they would see that. It is just denial to say the 'phase' stuff, anything to pawn it off on to pretend its not real. I dont get why anyone would want to go through this at all, let alone pretend they are to be 'cool'. How is it cool to be discriminated against?

Im sure they will come around eventually though once they realise its not a phase and isnt going to go away. It is harder to deal with at a young age if you dont have the support you need to get a therapist etc. If they really wont come around at the very least you'll know you are free of them to do what you need to do once you turn 18 and they cant stop you. Agree with Simon. In the pre stage it seems really easy to ignore. They are apparently behind me but I still get 'she' constantly and everything else. Once I start to change with T and the surgeries Im hoping that will change as they wont be able to deny anything then and calling me the wrong pronoun would make them look stupid not me

It can just take time as this is off so many people's radar. The 'rocket' thing shows how ignorant people are. Comparing yourself to an inanimate object is making themselves look stupid. I dont get why people still try and play that card like its even remotely comparable. Really though it just shows how ignorant they are and shows you're better than them for actually understanding things. Its good you have your bf though to support you, that should help alot. They at least havent disowned you so there is a good chance they will come around in time and back you




legal name change - 5/8/13
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Damian

@Leo.
Thank you for the response and I hope you get to go on T soon and become the man you feel should be reflected. They probably also think its a way fo me to upset the status quo and to mess with people. The toughest part for me would probably be the anxiety I get from being in public and being put down since im in a friend group in which I am the only female bodied one in amidst the sea of nerds. The anxiety that if I put it off for another month it will be too late, ill be too short I wont grow facial hair, my muscle wont build up, which has translated into social anxiety. Which is the most difficult part for you?
<3 Damian
Love has no gender.
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Leo.

Can only hope so, trying to hurry things on as best I can. Being in the UK I cant just start myself on HRT or get surgery whenever I want it, I have to wait for them to tell me when I can. Hoping for T by the end of the year, depends how long the next appointment wait will be and everything else

I dont get why you would go out of your way to do that. Sure teens can rebel all the time but do they do it in this way? No. I understand that. Im not quite as bad as I used to be but pretty sure I have social anxiety issues too. I cant look at anyone when I talk to them, I dont like to talk in general and being around people is really awkward. Being referred to as something you're not is the worst. I dont want anyone to see me as female, Im not. Dont worry though cause it will never be too late. Theres people on this site who begin transition in their 50s, 60s and even 70s. Honestly you've caught it young and its best to deal with it then which you are trying to do so take that as a good thing. When you can start on testosterone therapy depends on whether they let you get the support you need but once you do you will get those changes, thats what T does. I hate the way I am now but all thats kept me going is knowing I can have all the changes I need with T. Facial hair will come in time, muscle will likely happen quicker, voice change, fat redistribution to a male pattern and even hairline will change. Im nearly 24 and not started on HRT yet but Im still pretty young for it and will get the same results. Not alot we can do about height unfortunately. I feel really short too which has been annoying me. I have considered buying these though: http://www.tallmenshoes.com/elevator-shoes-k882899.html  If you're young though you will hopefully still be growing. There are plenty of shorter cisguys though. I missed out on any kind of growth spurt. Pretty much the same height now as I was when I was 12. I dont have the best genes though, just hoping to get the other changes I need to make up for it




legal name change - 5/8/13
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Arram

I'm sorry you had such harsh reactions, but like others said, time typically tips things in your favour.

I actually just recently came out to my family. My oldest sister sent a pretty nasty email in response, but about a week later she apologized. She's trying to understand, and that's something. People can and do change their minds about this. I'd say patience will be your best friend. After all, it isn't just us going through this, the process of transition drags everyone we know and care about along. Here's to hoping things get better soon.  :)
I will not go quietly into that good night, but instead rage against the dying of the light.
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dpadgett628

Like Devlyn said, starting the conversation is the first step.

Patients is the next. Its new for everyone and even though it affects you most directly, your friends and family are affected too. Just try and be patient with them and they will come around eventually.

Hopefully things get better soon! :3
"The future I'm living now, is not what I'd thought it'd be. The person I was before, is nothing like me. The future I'm living now, is the way I want it to be." -Sick Puppies

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