I Am Paula
10-15-2013, 09:04 AM
It was only six months ago that I compiled my list of people to come out to, in which order, and how. I ended up with a list of over three hundred, and broke them down into- family, social, business, and other. Then I sub-grouped them into- email, in person, just show up.
I felt that the coming out process was one of the most important of transition. Real women don't live in fear of being seen by aquaintances, or refuse invitations because of their gender status.
I also got VERY tired of presenting male just to keep a few happy. This is my life, not theirs!
Yesterday morning my friend Dan came over for coffee. Paula answered the door, and greeted him. We had a wonderful time catching up on the past year. As usual, there was some conversation about my change in presentation, and, as usual it ended in 'Congratulations' and 'That must take courage'.
When he left, I crossed his name off my list. The last one!
The score- Overwhelming acceptance, and joy that I was following my destiny- 100%
Non acceptance, loss of friends, scorn or bigotry- 0 %
Conclusion- I certainly cannot speak for everybody. My family is very close, and accepting of everybody. I knew I had no problems there, but it took some serious courage to come out to them. It ended up almost a non event, as they have all welcomed Paula to the family.
My friends, and business contacts are, almost universally, involved in the arts, and used to being with the lunatic fringe. We are an accepting bunch of misfits, gays, one-offs, and genius/madmen. I can't say what it would be like if my friends were 'normal'. My business contacts are people who cater to the above- musical instrument dealers, and repairmen, sound companies and contractors, venue owners, and booking agents. They have very thick skin from dealing with said lunatics.
The next chapter- although I have not been ignoring it, I enter the vanity stage. I am compiling my list of things to do, to, and for, ME. Some minor surgeries, and dental work, finish with beard etc. I love lists!
Coming out is such a major concern to most girls. I hope my positive experience helps a few gain the courage needed to do it.
I felt that the coming out process was one of the most important of transition. Real women don't live in fear of being seen by aquaintances, or refuse invitations because of their gender status.
I also got VERY tired of presenting male just to keep a few happy. This is my life, not theirs!
Yesterday morning my friend Dan came over for coffee. Paula answered the door, and greeted him. We had a wonderful time catching up on the past year. As usual, there was some conversation about my change in presentation, and, as usual it ended in 'Congratulations' and 'That must take courage'.
When he left, I crossed his name off my list. The last one!
The score- Overwhelming acceptance, and joy that I was following my destiny- 100%
Non acceptance, loss of friends, scorn or bigotry- 0 %
Conclusion- I certainly cannot speak for everybody. My family is very close, and accepting of everybody. I knew I had no problems there, but it took some serious courage to come out to them. It ended up almost a non event, as they have all welcomed Paula to the family.
My friends, and business contacts are, almost universally, involved in the arts, and used to being with the lunatic fringe. We are an accepting bunch of misfits, gays, one-offs, and genius/madmen. I can't say what it would be like if my friends were 'normal'. My business contacts are people who cater to the above- musical instrument dealers, and repairmen, sound companies and contractors, venue owners, and booking agents. They have very thick skin from dealing with said lunatics.
The next chapter- although I have not been ignoring it, I enter the vanity stage. I am compiling my list of things to do, to, and for, ME. Some minor surgeries, and dental work, finish with beard etc. I love lists!
Coming out is such a major concern to most girls. I hope my positive experience helps a few gain the courage needed to do it.