Monday was my 30th birthday - it felt like the perfect time to wind up my courage and come out to my parents.  When I get emotional I have a really hard time talking, so I wrote them a letter and slipped it to them - then hid in my room and freaked the hell out.  The following morning, my dad just smiled and hugged me; my mom took a couple days but last night she managed to hug me.  Since then, I've come out to my brother and several of my friends - it's been an amazing feeling, and I can't get over how lucky I am to have such a supportive circle of loved ones.

Just wanted to share my happy news with you guys! 

Yea! That is wonderful. So nice to get the weight of that secret off your chest. Good luck!

 Hi Game Dame,

Those first ones are especially difficult to do as are most that are close to you in some way. Congratulations on coming out to you family and with good results. Those are always a bonus. Appreciate and remember these successes as you will run into those that are not as well received.
  My first revelation was to my daughter and it has been my least successful so far, but I haven't let it stop me. I have too many more "must tells" on my list and just told another one tonight over the phone. An uncle and through him my aunt now knows. I believe this was another success. At least he said he supports me. He is only a year older than myself.
  So whatever the outcomes keep moving on and get the task accomplished as each done frees you a little bit more so you can become yourself.

  Speaking of revelations... when are you going to reveal a real name to us?  You may feel like a Game Dame but you must have a name..

Hugs,
   Laurie

Congratulations!  Coming out to family is hard, but you did it!  You obviously chose your family well.   

You did a great job!  Parents and spouses are the hardest to come out to, many of us come out to trusted friends first as a way to practice.  You sound a bit like me, always getting emotional when I'm speaking about something important.  I was going to tell my parents verbally, but ended up handing them a letter I prepared just in case.  I ran into the living room and hugged one of our dogs while they read it. It all turned out okay....just like you. 

Good luck and enjoy the journey. 

Thanks for the support everyone. Despite my parents having some trouble accepting my decision to transition, so far my experience has been nothing but positive - kinda can't believe my luck sometimes.  A friend is taking me out tomorrow on my first makeup run so that'll be an experience! XD