I'm tired...am I alone??

[katie_barns]

Actually Erin you might be surprised. I was outed at work last year and the biggest reaction I got was concerned. Concern for my well being. My co-workers were worried I would not come back to work and they would miss me. Some were concerned that I would do something stupid (suicide or hurt myself). Only one person out of 50 or 60 made a big deal out of it. An that was mostly sly comments and calling me names. I put a stop to it by just confronting him.
What I though was the worst day of my life turned out to be just a little bump in the road. It also told me that the world is changing. People are more accepting than in years past. I am not saying that there wasn't comments behind my back. I'm sure there was but overall it wasn't a big deal. People still respect me and treat me the same as before. I made a couple new girlfriends that keep insisting I go out with them dressed. Also, the guys are comfortable enough to joke about it from time to time.
I may be an optimist, but I believe the world is changing and trans acceptance is coming around slowly.

[Krististeph]

Actually Erin you might be surprised.

I agree Katie, with caution. A lot of it is the way you handle it.

I use to be self conscious obut a nuber of related things- now it's nothing. I'm still cautions around the neighborhood- partly because I know some of the people are less than 'enlightened', and for other reasons- but if i do get outed- I certainly won't deny it and and certainly won't take any crap about it...

It's a bit tougher when you work with a bunch of guys, but I used to get a lot of guff from a guy who always called me a 'girly boy', even though i never had anything out me (that i know of)- he was just a big hairy strong type- but be worked together fine & I actually messed with him a bit- I often wonder if he had it figured out but didn't really care. I always did my share of work- he did his- and though there were a lot of reasons i would not choose to hang around with him outside of work- we worked together quite well.

[Erin McShea]

I didn't mean to sound so angry and negative about the world. I know that things are getting a little better with acceptance of people who live outside "the box". You can turn on TV and see shows about it. Even 20/20 did one not long ago and that helps. I wish there had been more talk about it when I was younger. For years I tried to supress my feelings until I met my wife. And even more now thanks to this site and you fine people on it.

[Stephenie S]

The fact is that very few people in this world give a rat's behind what you wear. That's just a fact.

Most of your fear is just your own imagination.

Does that mean it's easy to get over it? No, It's not easy. But if you can put on your big girl panties and "man up" (LOL) you will find there is more acceptance in this world than you seem to think. EVERYONE has seen something on TV about it. EVERYONE as a cousin, or friend, or whatever, who does the same thing.

Stephie