I think you have great friends. They are probably well educated and do not share many of the bias feelings exhibited by others. Frankly, I believe many more people are truly accepting of a transsexual than of a cross dresser. There has been a lot of news coverage on transsexuals and their medical and legal plights. The discussion of crossdressing seems to be primarily limited to Jerry Springer.
And, I looked at your avatar and you truly look lovely. God's speed on your journey to womanhood.