Now that it's been nearly six full months since I came out on Facebook, I thought I would like to share my coming out message for those that are considering it and looking for ideas on how to word their post:
On this the last day of 2013 I feel that I should share the changes that are happening in my life...
There is no easy way to say it other than be blunt:
I am transgendered.
I have been living full time as a woman for about three months now. From this point forward I would ask that people call me by my preferred name of Allison. I would also ask that you use female pronouns when speaking to or about me.
I realize that this may be shocking to some of you. I have struggled with my gender identity for my entire life. I have tried drinking and drugging my issues away. I have tried therapy. I have explored other things that I'd rather not speak about here. Nothing has made these things go away. Early in 2013 I started addressing my issues head on. It has not been an easy process by any stretch of the imagination.
I hope that most people will be respectful and accept me as the same person they have always known, but with a slightly different body and different clothing. I realize that this wish is not realistic. I know that this is a change that is hard for many people to accept, understand, or tolerate. Please be aware that this is not something that is a whim or that I am taking lightly. Transitioning has caused a lot of pain and destruction in my life. As difficult as that is the alternative was far more grim.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope that you are still here and still consider me your friend. If not, I wish you well, and would hope that you wish the same for me.
Happy New Year
I had one family member make a nasty comment and two people unfriend me, but other than that the reaction I received was largely positive. In fact I have become closer with several of my female cousins since coming out. While it was terrifying to write and post it, it still beat lying and covering it up.
