Dr Vaidya at Northants GIC suggested at my first appointment that I should consider coming out to some of my friends (so far only my fiancée, an old FTM friend and some people on one of the forums I use know), so I just made a restricted audience post to some of my oldest friends. Now I just have to sit anxiously and wait for the replies (not helped by the fact that most of them are American and Canadian so they're not awake yet). DAMMIT! WAKE UP AND READ MY POST!

QuoteIf I may take a moment of your time I have something that I need to share with you.

*deep breath*

OK, here goes. I am transgender. I've been dealing with this for most of my life the same way that many others do, which is to say that I ignored it and hoped it would go away. Suffice to say that it didn't go away so I have decided to get professional help and had my first appointment with a gender therapist at Northamptonshire GIC last week where I received an initial diagnosis of gender identity disorder (gender dysphoria).

As I have known most of you for the best part of 20 years now I feel comfortable in sharing this information with you. If you have any (reasonable) questions please feel free to ask in a comment. Please note that I haven't come out to most people and my family don't know about this. This post is restricted to a limited audience so it won't show on my timeline for most people so please respect the fact that this shouldn't be discussed in any other posts on my timeline.

Thank you for your time. I love you all. <3

Fingers crossed, and I think you will do great.  Your note gets right to the point.  Maybe I am biased but I can't imagine anything other than acceptance based on what you have done for this stage.  Some friendships may become stronger.

I am not full time and I've been having fun messing with people.
   Friend:  "Hey what's new?"
   Me:       "Oh not much.  I'm becoming a woman."
   Friend:  <stunned look>
   Me:       "Yeah no big deal.  So how are you?"

Kendra

Well, I've heard from 2 of my friends who are on the east coast and they've been wonderful. I feel so happy right now.

QuoteHey Lew - thank you for trusting me enough to share that with me. I don't have any questions. Just support if you need it. Deep breath, arms up. Big hugs. I'm here if you need anything.

QuoteLEEEEWW!!! [[[HUG]]] Do you plan to transition? Know I'm here for you if you need an ear or a shoulder or anything else. Just as an aside, this is truly the era of change. You're the third person in my circle of family and friends who has "come out." I like to think I'm pretty good at listening, so if you need a sounding board, let me know.

Awesome!  You have genuine friends, the best kind possible.  I can imagine you feel very happy right now. 

Just got the reply I was hoping for from pretty much my best mate.

QuoteHey Lew!

First - thanks for trusting me to say something, You don't know how much I appreciate it.

Second - courage! You're the second person in a few years to mention this to me and I think you'll be happier the more you can tell and share. I'm sure the closest family will be the hardest, but if you're from a good one - and I think you are - they'll be the ones that understand the most.

I can't pretend to understand what you've been through, but I'll always be glad to chat and hear anything you want to share. If I can help make things a bit easier in any way, I'll do what I can. As you know, I'm still dealing with my medical issues (and may  *finally* have that surgery I've been waiting on for more than a year now). I'll make sure you know when anything happens here. Just saying in case I go "silent" for  a few weeks.

Are you hoping to stay with your girlfriend? I assume you've had discussions with her.

Much love back and all my best wishes for your future happiness!

Ooh! And another reply.

QuoteLew, I don't have words, but a warm smile, a virtual hug and the very best of wishes. It's going to be quite the journey, but it's you being more you, and that's awesome.

I am so glad to hear that you chose your friends well.  Having that support will make the journey so much easier.