I came out to my parents and brothers and sisters the other week with rather mixed results. I came via letter/email using a letter based on the sample letter in this forum and didn't do enough to make it personal, which hasn't gone down well.

Despite that my mother has taken it better than expected, her main concern was that she had just never had the slightest idea that i was trans - which may show that i hid it really well, or that she just never saw the signs. My brothers have been ok, and my brothers daughters were wonderfully supportive, while my sister and her husband are really struggling.

At least everybody kows now, so no more secrets; now just waiting to come out fully at work.

Dana

Hi Dana

It always is a mixed bag....but good on you for having the courage that is a huge step Congratulations

Liz

Quote from: Dana60 on June 05, 2016, 04:55:35 AM
I came out to my parents and brothers and sisters the other week with rather mixed results. I came via letter/email using a letter based on the sample letter in this forum and didn't do enough to make it personal, which hasn't gone down well.

Despite that my mother has taken it better than expected, her main concern was that she had just never had the slightest idea that i was trans - which may show that i hid it really well, or that she just never saw the signs. My brothers have been ok, and my brothers daughters were wonderfully supportive, while my sister and her husband are really struggling.

At least everybody kows now, so no more secrets; now just waiting to come out fully at work.

Dana

Hi, when I came out to my daughters and my family, my girls took it better than i expected they would. My family is very christian, and they just said I was full of the devil and I haven't heard from them in the last 5 months. My wife's mother and sister just think I cross dress and they left it at that. So it seems that there will always be mixed feelings.

Jo

Yea, in my experience it's best to make the "coming out" message a personal one.  While it's helpful to read what others wrote in their letters, I think it's best to make your story your own.  That's what I've been doing when coming out.  I don't mention transgender people in the news, I don't talk about bathroom issues... I just share my own personal experiences and struggles.

When people hear you speaking personally from your heart, it sounds more genuine and authentic.  And even if they disagree with you, they'll respect you for your honesty.