My coming out story

[Brandie.n]

On my birthday (October 1st) I decided to come out of the closet. The first person I told was my mother I told her I was a crossdresser. I said after everything I have been through I deserve to do what makes me happy. I told her its not a gay thing its more of a hobby and I sat in silence. My mother finally said oh yea I know i've known since you was little why do you think I suggested the woman halloween costumes and gave you heels? Hey come with me. She took me to one of her closets and started giving me clothes, Heels, Bras, and hose she told me all this is too big for me and you can have whatever fits. The last dress I tried on was a slinky red dress hose and platform red heels. Looking in the mirror I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions and started tearing up. I was asked what was wrong and I asked my mom can I have a hug? She said of course after the hug she told me to sit down and let's talk. I was asked whats was wrong? I said, thanks for accepting me it feels like the weight of the world is off my shoulders. I no longer have to sneak around and hide. Mom told me of course I accept you you are my child i about lost you twice and it was touch and go both times. We all knew and was waiting for you to come out for so long. I asked do you want to hear my woman's name? Of course she did I said Brandy because if i was born a girl you was going to name me Brandy so here she is. She said she loves it and gave me a hug. That began my journey of coming out to everybody everybody is accepting. One friend said ok so what's your big news? I said that is and i got oh hell we knew just been waiting on you. My other female friend said you are my oldest friend and I will love you if you are wearing ratty jeans and a beach Tshirt or a sweater dress and cute ankle boots. You could turn yourself into a real life monster I wouldnt care. Had one to say "Flowers come in a vast variety inviting shape, color, growth and more Some weeds have flowers. but anybody that can appreciate the beauty in life will appereciate all flowers. Thats how it went with everybody now 6 months later I have 3 wigs more heels and boots than guy shoes. Half of my closet is dresses, skirts,Blouses, Panties, pantyhose, and Bras. This july im going to a con dressed as Supergirl.

[ShelbyDawn]

Wonderful! So happy for you, thanks for sharing.

[baldy1]

Super story

Julie

[bridget thronton]

You have a great mother and wonderful friends

[Davina2833]

Hi Brandie,

Lovely story.....keep the good posts coming. Your mother is precious, give her a hug from us.

BTW what part of TN?

Davina

[Crissy 107]

Brandie, I love your coming out story, I can understand the tears, I almost had some myself just reading about you.

[Beverley Sims]

One of the nicest coming out situations I have read abou in a long while.

May you have continuing support from everyone.

[Teresa]

Brandie,
I felt like it was a millstone lifted off my shoulders but that's how it feels after so many years .

Your mum is very much like mine although our ages are different , she's now 91 but I was really surprised how well she tokk it and how much she understood . I'm not sure if you did yourself any favours by calling it a hobby because it implies it;s something you can stop if you choose , I told my mujm I was born like it and explained the thinking behind that . She was OK at the time then two days later the phone rang and she told me she was upset because as a mother it was all her fault , I finally reassured her it wasn't .

The other point I would take care with is not going OTT with her , my mum accepts my level of makeup is OK and my choice of clothes but she may not be so happy if I wear high heels and an off the shoulder dress . Take it in easy stages , she is on your side at the moment . As for name , I kept it simple by changing Terry to Terri , she was OK with that and sent me a Xmas card with Terri inside . When lockdown finishes she's now happy to go out for a coffee and visit a garden centre , what more could I ask .

I really am pleased for you her support will go along way with gaining acceptance from others .

[Brandie.n]

Hi Brandie,

Lovely story.....keep the good posts coming. Your mother is precious, give her a hug from us.

BTW what part of TN?

Davina

East tn valley

[GretchenM]

Holy cow, Brandie, that is the most beautiful coming out story I have ever heard. Of course, it is not a story - it is real. The best part is not the relief and release you experienced in revealing the truth about you but you made your mother so very happy in the process. She loves you unconditionally and knew how you were from long ago. She allowed you to grow in your own way rather than trying to force you down certain paths. And now it has all converged into a beautiful configuration.

[siantv2003]

What a wonderful story. Thank-you so much for sharing it with us.
You have an amazing Mom from the sounds of it

[DMichele]

Brandie,

Many thanks for sharing your beautiful and emotional Coming Out Story. Kudos to your mother, family and friends for their acceptance. The world needs more stories like yours.

Best wishes going forward.
Michele

[BrendaPDX]

Brandie, I couldn't be happier for you. I wish you only the best of wishes, and love from your friends and family, and of course us. Brenda

[Stephanie47]

Nice to read another story of acceptance. Thanks for sharing.

[SavannahVee]

Such a great story! So happy for you!

[BTWimRobin]

Hi Brandy,

What a wonderful story. I'm so happy for you. Thank you for sharing!

[Judy-Somthing]

Wow nice story, thanks for sharing.

When I was 16 my mom caught me dressed up in the woman's clothes she had in the attic.
She said she didn't mind me wearing the clothes, just put them back when your done.
She told my sisters that I was going through a phase!

[Natalie5004]

Worlds longest phase.

[Teri Ray]

Great news you are truly blessed. Thanks for sharing.

[Leslie Langford]

Lovely "coming out" story, Brandie, but it strikes me that there is also a missing piece here.

You speak about the overwhelming support from your mother and female friends, and much of that apparently had to do with the fact that they already "knew" and were just waiting for you to come out of the closet, so to speak.

Conspicuous by its absence was any mention of the menfolk in your life and their reactions, however. Is (was?) there a father the picture, and if so, what was his reaction? That of brothers (if any), friends, or work colleagues etc.?

Given that you live in a "Red State" part of the U.S. that is not exactly known for being overly LGBTQ-friendly (I hesitate to use the term "Redneck" here), I have trouble believing that it was all "rainbows and unicorns" the way you have presented your coming-out story.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade here, but not everyone who is in your situation experiences the same allegedly smooth ride on the road to acceptance. When we post here, we should always bear in mind that we also have a responsibility to realistically manage the expectations of those others on this Forum who might see us as relatable role models.

[sometimes_miss]

Brandi, it's so good to read acceptance stories. It's what we all hope for, and it's so hard when it doesn't come true in our own lives. But it seems things are going well for you, and I hope it continues. And maybe things will change for those of us who haven't been so lucky.
Live it up! Indulge yourself. Enjoy all the fem feelings and experiences that you want. And keep updating us on the fun!

[Brandie.n]

Lovely "coming out" story, Brandie, but it strikes me that there is also a missing piece here.

You speak about the overwhelming support from your mother and female friends, and much of that apparently had to do with the fact that they already "knew" and were just waiting for you to come out of the closet, so to speak.

Conspicuous by its absence was any mention of the menfolk in your life and their reactions, however. Is (was?) there a father the picture, and if so, what was his reaction? That of brothers (if any), friends, or work colleagues etc.?

Given that you live in a "Red State" part of the U.S. that is not exactly known for being overly LGBTQ-friendly (I hesitate to use the term "Redneck" here), I have trouble believing that it was all "rainbows and unicorns" the way you have presented your coming-out story.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade here, but not everyone who is in your situation experiences the same allegedly smooth ride on the road to acceptance. When we post here, we should always bear in mind that we also have a responsibility to realistically manage the expectations of those others on this Forum who might see us as relatable role models.

Let me put you mind at ease yes there is a father in my life and 2 brothers
Father reaction-Hell I have known that for years
Brothers-You make a damn good looking woman I have been flowing your pictures for years.
When I said all my friends that included the male friends also.
I live outside of Knoxville Tennessee a city that has been voted sevral time as one of most friendliest LGBTQ city in the US.
In 2012 the international LGBTQ Magazine The Advocate listed Knoxville as the “8th Gayest City in America”
Red state dont mean anything we are a mountain people we are clanish comes from our Irish roots which means we take care of our own and each other and god help anybody that comes threw this state looking to cause trouble for the LGBTQ comunity. They dont lay under that here we accept everybody.

[candykowal]

Great experience, I teared up reading about your family experience.
It reminded me of the relationship with my Mother who left us in 2009, I so miss her.
Her teachings and mentoring carries on, she helps me find lost earrings, close a sticky clasp, and mend a fraying hem.
She make me remember shopping in the women's section of Goldblatts, my first hair salon visit, and taking the train downtown wearing my favorite dress.
Remember and cherish these times, they are your future memories!

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Brandi :hugs:, You are so blessed to have such a Wonderful:love:Mother,
I wish you all the best in your new lifes journeys, >Orchid**O:daydreaming:O**

[Jennifer_Ph]

I was amazed that my friends and family already knew as well. I wish I hadn't hidden for so long!

[JaclynL61]

Great story Brandie. Thanks for sharing.

[Sallee]

What a lovely story. Its wonderful to have such a loving family Mothers love their child no matter what Thank you for posting

[Amy Lynn3]

Great story. Never under estimate the love of a Mother. Give her a hug for me and the rest of the Board.

[Frannie7]

Love your story, Brandie. A great tale of acceptance.

[Fortuneta]

What a terrific story!!! Best to you and take care!

[alwayshave]

Brandie, what a lovely story of acceptance from your mom.

[jazmine]

Brandy! That is awesome! I'm so happy for you! Thanx for sharing!

[DTelia]

Are you married, have family, etc? Sounds like you have GREAT parents.

I?m thinking they didn?t say too much, as to not be the ones influencing your direction. It appears they?ve guided you in a way to embrace yourself as yourself, but to still respect others. I don?t know how old you were/are, so not sure how long you kept your secret, and perhaps there are plenty of other stories/experiences that kinda let the cat out of the bag..and that?s ok.

Several of us have been so frightened concerned about getting caught, that even the possibility of having a single long pinkie finger nail is almost as much a signal of cross dressing as wearing a dress, bra, and wig would be. That?s where I was for 40+ of my near 50 years. What a waste of energy and stress.

I walked outside today w/my wife?s scunchie in my very nice (if I do say so myself) bun...and my care level on a 1:10 w/10 being the worst, was about a 4...so I?m getting better.

Best of luck to you. I would live your life, but in my opinion, balance is still the best bet.

[FrannGurl]

Such a great story! Thanks for sharing !

[AndieB]

Thanks so much for sharing Brandie! Definitely made my eyes water reading that. :hugs:

[patycd83]

I'm so jelaus! My family will never agree with my cd style.
Really love your family. Take care of them.

[Jazzy Jaz]

Awesome, good for you Brandie, I?m so glad everyone has been so accepting of you!