Out to everyone now

[GypsyKaren]

A couple of weeks ago I sent a letter, along with a current picture of myself, to my step-mother, explaining that I was transsexual and now lived as a woman. She was the last to find out because she lives off in California, and it's been quite a long time since we've seen each other. I also was concerned since she's in her 80's now, and I figured she wouldn't understand. I don't know why I decided to finally tell her, I just felt a need to do so I guess.

I called her last night to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving, and to see if she had any questions and such, and was I ever surprised by her reaction. She was so happy for me because I'm finally happy, she told me how she knew something was always bothering me when I was a kid, and now it all made sense to her. We talked about how hard it was for me to live so long trying to be someone I'm not, a man, and she was interested in my life now as Karen, and how I try to help others like me. Total acceptance, I was quite surprised indeed.

We worry so much over how others, especially loved ones, will react to our truth, so much so that we let it choke us into silence. I guess the point I'm getting to is this...we're deciding how they'll probably react, so we don't give them the chance, but is that fair? People who love us do so for who we are on the inside, not for what we are on the outside. So many I've told have said to me "you're still the same person to me, and always will be", and they're right. I just didn't think anyone would be able to see that, but I was so wrong. I took a gamble and gave them the chance to decide for themselves, instead of me doing it for them by keeping hidden, and I won...works for me.

Karen

[Joy Carter]

So happy for you there Gurl. It would be nice if others would just accept and allow others to be who they are. But I don't think in my case it will happen.:o

[Tamara Croft]

Isn't it amazing how we find the ones who we think wouldn't be accepting, be so understanding and accepting. I'm so pleased for you, I can only imagine how hard it was for you doing this. :hugs:

[RachelDenise]

Karen, I love the story you just told us. I gives me pause to think about my life and whether I should tell my mother about my dressing. Thanks.

[Siobhan Marie]

Karen, I'm so happy for you as I know how hard it is to come out to your family as a transsexual. Well done you :happy:

huge :hugs: Anna Marie x

[Eileen]

So happy you had such a positive acceptance from you Stepmother Karen. You are so very fortunate. I am in the process of coming out to my family. By New Years day most of my family will know about Eileen.

Eileen

[Di]

That is wonderful news hon....Very happy for you.That had to be very hard for you...WTG :thumbsup:

[CaptLex]

I'm so happy for you, Karen! What a relief, huh? That was a very brave thing to do, and I'm glad she took it so well. :hugs:

[Holly]

Karen, your story warmed my heart. You've much to be thankful for, girl.

[Sandra]

So pleased for you Karen :hugs:

[Scotty]

That's great!!

[Kimberley]

Karen,

What can anyone say to that that hasnt been said before?

:koc: :hugs: :koc: :love:


Kimberley.

[Calliope]

She was so happy for me because I'm finally happy, she told me how she knew something was always bothering me when I was a kid, and now it all made sense to her. We talked about how hard it was for me to live so long trying to be someone I'm not, a man, and she was interested in my life now as Karen, and how I try to help others like me.

What a heartwarming missive!

And, yes, you do help others!

Best wishes.

[Jenna1561]

Karen, I'm so happy for you. I know it's probably such a great weight off your soul and such a wonderful outcome. It is indeed a Happy Thanksgiving.


Jenna

[Lisa Golightly]

I've always been a believer in 'honesty is the best policy'. It has in the past led to a few battles... some bloody... some icey... but on the whole I prefer to tell it as it is, and if people walk away, then I didn't want them to stay.

[Shelly Preston]

Wow Karen

Thats a big step for you glad everything went ok

[SusanTL]

Karen.

What a beautiful and warm story. Thank you for sharing that with us.

Hugs - Susan

[Sheila]

Karen,
I am so pleased that things went well,


we're deciding how they'll probably react, so we don't give them the chance, but is that fair? People who love us do so for who we are on the inside, not for what we are on the outside.

I couldn't agree more with that bit of your post

Jess

[sheena]

Wonderful. It gives me hope. I've not told anyone yet except my wife earlyer this year. I'm happy for you.:happy:

[Clare]

Karen, receiving total acceptance like that must have been wonderful for you. As you say, you're out to everyone now, so no more hiding your true self anymore - what a feeling that must be!


We worry so much over how others, especially loved ones, will react to our truth, ...Yes, that's my concern too. I wish I was able to reveal CLARE to the closest people in my life, but I just haven't figured out the best way/time yet. I suppose I'll know when I'm ready?

[Rachel Morley]

I just want to also add my congrats to you. It's great that you've found yourself but it's even better if you can share it with the ones you love and they still love you just the same :hugs: Unconditional love is a beautiful thing.

[MJ]

yes i am happy for you Karen how does it feel to be free :love: . it's funny the people in my life i thought would accept me did not.. but those i knew for sure would never accept me did so with open arms. i think we are way too hard on our-self's in the end things work out OK. now don't you wish you came out sooner ... hugs mj

[tori-e]

Hi Karen,

I'm so glad that things are working out well for you. And, I am especially glad that people like you write about their successes on this forum. Most of us live in the fear of rejection or who knows what else when we come out.

Over the past year Brenda and I have come out to many friends and loved ones. To our surprise everyone has been amazing. People are always supportive and accepting. Even those that don't really understand what it is all about. Many have solidly affirmed that they remain, and will always be, our friends and will help in any way they can. I was most surprised and relieved of those with strong Christian backgrounds. They have been the ones with the most compassion it seems. It has been truly amazing and I feel very blessed.

I really believe that part of the acceptance comes from the fact that awareness for LGBT issues is ever increasing. We have to thank those that have travelled this road before us.

lots of love,
Victoria

[Felix]

I'm sooooooo happy for ya Karen ya a brave lass thats for sure xx Felix :hugs: