It's a date on the calendar I've looked at and watched as it passed me by for many years. Until now. However, this is not the only time to come out and it's not intended to apply pressure to anyone who is not ready for that step. But if it's time for you, there will be others traveling the path by your side as well as additional resources that rise to the top of LGBTQ+ web pages.
I've been on this forum for many years now and it's been a great resource not just helping as I move forward but, equally important, reminding me to move at my own pace. My steady plodding along has led me to come out to others, individually at first and today I finally placed a post on my male-facing Facebook page where family, friends, former co-workers and even people I knew in high school have never known me to be anyone but the guy. I'd posted a few things in recent weeks about change in our lives and being willing to have meaningful conversations.
I have no real idea of how it's all going to go but my individual coming outs leading up to today have included all those people in my life who will be important in sustaining me going forward and they have been 98% positive in their love and support. And away we go. . . .
Here is my post:
"This is the meaningful conversation I referred to in a previous post, and this is the burned bridge of my poem a couple weeks ago. It's National Coming Out Day.
For me at 71 years old it's less an option than a poorly held secret that I'm Transgender. I offer my love and deep respect for those who have come to support me as I've finally decided it's better to wake up smiling.
I have been Transgender all my life but was confused, in denial, attempting to fix or accommodate, not wanting to hurt others, not giving them credit for being stronger than I feared and being fearful of the reaction.
It's been a long time and often a struggle but I've filled my commitments to others and it's my time now. Thank you for your kind attention. There will be more personal stuff to come (be patient, I was), but if you are open to learning more, here is something to read this fine Sunday morning.
The other item to read is a link to Transequality.org "Supporting the transgender people in your life: A guide to being a good ally."
