Hi Jessica,
Welcome to Susan's. It is good to see more Aussies joining, where abouts in our little island are you from?
I have also recently started on my transition and come out to my friends and family, with mostly positive results (it doesn't do to dwell on the negative).
One of the first things I did was get a copy of
The Transgender Guidebook by Anne Boedecker, it has some great advice in it.
If you have any questions, just need to vent or a place to be heard all the boy and girl here are very friendly and happy to help others.
I had similar experiences with bullying when I was a child and for a long time lived in fear of my father and grandfather, whom had both expressed very anti-trans and homophobic sentiments. Fortunately my father proved me wrong and has told me he just wants me to be happy.
I can only hope your parents are as accepting.
I hope to see you around the forum and know that we are there for one and other.
Hugs,
Bobbi (Or Sarah... Still haven't made up my mind)