Welcome Emily,
I'm new here myself, the forums are filled with all different stories from all different walks of life. I hope you find friends,comfort and support here. I think you found a great place. As it goes for parents and friends, give them time. I have a trans son who when he came out at age 14 as a lesbian then at 15 said "daddy, I want to be a boy" was shocked at how I took it. He was surprised that I didn't say anything except I was proud of him for being himself. I continued to slip and say his birth name for a short time, but now fully call him by his male name. All of his friends do the same and its brought him great relief. I'm proud of you for telling your mother. 🙂 good luck!