A lot of good input and response, thank you all! Went to dinner with her last night and we had a chat about things. In the end, the conversation/discussion went well and the point was made well enough. The intercourse from the other day will fade to the past and our friendship of 20 years will move forward in a slightly different direction.
The sentiment that only someone going through this can understand this is so true. Without the framing that the experience offers, there is no way to comprehend the facets that are not obvious.
In the end, she came to understand that this is an internal growth and the physical is not the overall goal, at least for me. It was not until the subject of "partners" came up that the light came on bright for her. At that point, I explained to her that I am asexual...but if I were to begin to develop interests in someone, it would be with someone that understands...and no one but someone else who is transgender can truly do that.
I am an open book, ask me anything. I am not shy about who I am. Some people get weird and walk on, and that is fine. They are not my tribe. I have other friends that are strong, empathetic and supportive. The main point I would have anyone who meets me reflect upon is that I love all, that love is my religion and that all are included. She got this and the rest is not that important now.
