Good lord, that's probably an understatement LOL I am definitely a handful, which is why I feel bad springing this also on them, but I can't really help who I am deep down.
SO my mother replied. She was pretty calm in her typing, told me she didn't fully understand since she's not in my skin/mind/body and that no matter what that she'd love me, and also that my explanation confirmed what she's been suspecting.
I've just been going by 'Mel' even though my full name is Melody, which is a very pretty name, but also feminine, and she recognised I might not like that, but it's who I am to her. Doesn't really bother me; I think she took it well.
She told me she has her own feelings about this that need processed, and I can respect that. It definitely took me several days to a week process it myself...
But I'm feeling pretty good right now, I think.