I'm just curious how you came out and at what age and why. Thanks

I never really "came out". I just started wearing my packer, binding as necessary, and wearing an almost entirely masculine wardrobe. As questions arise, I address them to my comfort level. My mother and my in laws, as expected, really weren't happy and still aren't. I don't speak to my father at all and most of my other family members don't know either. It was very fluid.

I came out last year to my Mum first and then slowly came out to the rest of my family. This was all when I was 16 (wish I could be 16 forever lol, I don't want to get old! ). I came out not long after I realised exactly who I am. I came out because I never liked my body and what had been done to it and around this time I had been doing a ton of research and found out transition was possible. I never understood why I always felt so horrible about myself and why I never felt right. I came out because I need to be who I am or else I'll be miserable for the rest of my life.

I started coming out a couple years ago. By started coming out, I mean I mostly came out to myself, started wearing binders, and dressing in masculine clothes. I came out to everyone else gradually as I started transitioning.

Came out on my birthday in June to my mother and older brother. Didn't see a therapist.

Mother's reaction: That's it?
Brother's reaction: I'm here for you.

Still, my mother is being a Debbie downer about transitioning saying I'll never get a job if I do transition to male. Frankly, she could be right and I still want to do it.

I originally came out on Facebook as "genderqueer" as to sort of ease everyone into what is to come, but I did come out to people individually telling them I was going to take HRT to do a full transition. I also made it public on my Tumblr blogs. Fortunately, I've had nothing but support.

One of my friends had some trouble processing it, and said, "dude, I'm going to miss you." *facepalm* I told him it's not like I'm going to have some new personality that he won't recognise. I'll still be me, but far less reserved, and definitely hotter. He and I are like the best siblings ever (if we were related). I'm always there for him and I'm practically his free therapist. It's funny, cos one day he said, "if only one of us was a girl.." Haha, well, if I liked men then we'd probably be one hell of a force to be reckoned with!

Another good friend of mine that I told actually made a confession of his own: he likes to cross-dress! I would have never guessed, so it just added a completely new dynamic to our friendship. He said he really wants to start going out to clubs dressed up, so I told him one day we'll make an adventure out of it.

My room mate is also perfectly fine with it, and he's always been very conservative in his views. I think his new social life has widened his perspectives, though. We have a gender-fluid friend who comes around often, and also a FTM friend, although I haven't met him yet.

One of my friends that I've known since 6th grade probably had the best response, though: not one bit of surprise, and simply just said she will do everything she can if I need any help.

My mom was the same way, and said, "well, you've always been very feminine," and said I could go with her to get my eyebrows done. The thing with her, though, is that even though she seems to support me she still insists on thinking of me as her son. I just don't think she realises that I've never really been a son; just on the outside, and my interests are so gender neutral that I never really raised any red flags.

When I bring up the things that I need to do like getting the HRT and electrolysis she changes the subject. So, I don't think she's really ready for this. I'm sure she'll be fine, but for parents it's not nearly as easy. There are definitely people who I will never tell like my grandmother. She's over 80 years old, very traditional, and super Christian (which I don't really understand why that matters, but apparently some people find a way to make us all into abominations).

Anyway, so far, I haven't had any hostility or recanted friendships. I know a lot of us do, and you have my heart. Sometimes the people we love unconditionally don't share the same sentiment, and it's sad, but it's mostly sad for them for pushing away one of the best friends they've ever had. And for family to disown you is even worse. But I prefer to think there is a huge difference between family and relatives. Who we're related to shouldn't hold any weight if they don't behave like family should. It's who stands beside us through thick and thin that will always matter more than anyone else.

I still have a long road ahead of me, though, and I'm ready for whatever tries to knock me off my path. Bring it on!