Hi Annie,
I have come out to several female friends with no issues and to several male friends with mixed responses. For the males, I have only chosen very close friends whom I can trust to not spread rumours/garbage should they not agree. My male "buddies" for the most part while a bit "shocked . . . never saw that coming dude" never really batted an eye. We still get together and hang out "en boy". Will they ever go out with me when I am "en femme" not likely although they have all seen pictures of me dressed (they were curious as to what I look like as a girl . . . most said would not have recognized you if I walked by you.
The only experience that was shocking and saddening was my very best friend. We shared a lot together as we joined the military at the same time, gravitated to the same units and were together on several combat missions in Afghanistan. He saved my bacon on more than one occasion and I pulled him out of a firefight after he had been wounded, taking a through and through to my left side in the process. We recuperated in the same hospital, and I am/was the godfather of his daughter. When I told him, he freaked and cut off all contact with me and demanded that I never talk to his family. I was sad but it is what it is and I have to respect his feelings and hope someday he will come around.
Hugs
Isha
