I just wanted to tell about my experience last night in the hope that if someone else is considering coming out there are great people out there.

I belong to a Jewish philanthropy group that is just for women ( there are associate (men) members that also do tons of work but the organization is for women) Up until last night when I stepped down from my position I was the communications director.
As I have begun hormone therapy and living full time as male I knew that there was no longer putting this off and as the planning for the coming year was the topic of the meeting I felt now was the time.

I spoke to the president of our chapter and we made the plan that I would resign at this meeting.  (BTW she was a great source of support) I wrote a letter saying I was resigning and the reason why.  I attempted to explain as best I could.  When it came my turn, I said that I was stepping down and of course folks were wondering why?? The President read my letter aloud to the group (about 10 members).  At the end everyone and I mean everyone was saying we are with you, you are not alone.  We support you.  They then quickly moved on to how I could move to be an associate member and what I could do in that role. Like it was seriously no big deal and this was the major concern. As that came to a lull one of the other members said "well was that good and welfare because I don't think I can follow that...my kid is just going to camp"  Which of course broke the seriousness of the meeting and everyone had a good laugh. As the meeting broke up several members came up to ask me what was my chosen name and could they begin calling me that now.  Saying if I or my family needed anything to just call them. 

I really respect this group of women and all of the hard work that they do.  I knew most would be just fine but there were a couple that I was unsure of and even they were hugging me and saying how they would support me and stand with me.  It was an amazing experience.  I truly am so lucky to have such a supportive community that seems to really get that I am still exactly the same person they have always known I'm just going to look a little different.

Now as I am also on the board of officers at my shul, I will also have to come out to them. They are a MUCH bigger board but I think it will go the same with them.  Thankfully I do not have to resign that position, only let them know what is happening.  Which I think is fair.

I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend and that you find the love and support that I have

Shalom