I use to come here a lot. It's been awhile ^^; You can skip this part if you want... I'm now almost completely out. I've come out to all my friends and they're accepting. I've even gotten the courage to buy my own bras and panties on my own. Now I'm building up the courage to go out. I went out last night dressed up. I went through a drivethru so someone could see me. I think he was more nervous than me lol. Although my heart was racing for an hour afterwards. Next step is to actually enter a store dressed up...

Anyways, school starts in a month. When I return to school I'm going to come out to my family since I'll be living on my own. I'm confident that they won't completely abandon me. It will be very tough though.

First thing I need help with:

I think as long as I explain it in a way that they will accept it, even if it's ridiculous, it will be smooth. I'm not going to get into my feelings at all. I'm just going to explain how it's a disorder, just like any other it's not a choice. This is who I am and there is no cure and it's no ones fault. Before they are even going to try to understand my feelings they need to first get their own in place. That's what I think anyways. Once they've accepted that. Then I will get into it a little deeper with them if they want.

Second thing I need help with:

When I completely come out at school and start going to classes as myself, I want to take advantage of the situation that is going to occur. I want to record my experiences and turn it into a bit of a social experiment I guess. I dunno what others think of this or if anyone has any ideas I'd be up for them ^^;

Alyssa

social experiments are always fun, i for one would love to read your accounts of the reactions you get from people.
your plan for explaining it is pretty reasonable.
congratulations on coming out! (:

Good for you Alyssa,

Nice to hear that you are facing the way. It does get easier, every step helps build the confidence.

I had my first meal in a restaurant last week with my sister in law. It was wonderful. I was refered to as Mam, or Can I get you Ladies more wine etc. The place was packed and I had no problems, stares or anything from anyone.

So do keep going forward.

I think explaining to your family is very sensible. There are articles on Wiki that may help. Be ready for big questions, either at the time or down track. "What did we do wrong" is one from your parents.  Keep telling them how much you love them and need their love and support. Tell them how terrible this condition is.  Assure them that no one transitions for fun or for kinky reasons.

I have kept a log/diary for many years as I have lived my life. I get great comfort from reading it. There is something in seeing how you coped with a situation in the past that helps you take another giant step.

Hugs

Cindy

Astral

I also think that recording your experiences in a log would not only be really good for you, it could be really good for others as well.

First hand experiences, written as they happen, by an intelegent person are incredably valuable. Remember to do your log regularly and not delete anything later.

As for your family, great and best of luck.

That's exactly it. I want people to see the critical parts of my coming out. I want people to see what it is like and what some people REALLY have to go through. I want to help people and give them courage. So I want to secretly record all the critical parts of my coming out and transitioning for what they really are. Including my families reactions etc. I'm thinking about how I can contribute.

I realize in some ways it's not a good idea. I realize that my family could be even further hurt by something like this but at the same time I know other things are even more important.