Wow Debi - what a great story. I loved everything you wrote. Good for you that you followed your heart and made it happen for yourself!
I agree that the level we desire to let others know varies greatly between all CDs and some don't understand why you would ever want to tell anyone, but I do. I too hate having this little black cloud of a secret from my closest and most loved friends hanging over my head. I strive to be an open, honest, and authentic person; and so it does not feel right that I can't fully be myself around these people. It's not that I necessarily want them jump up and offer to come for a night out with Kristina (it would be nice) but more that I feel guilty for coming up with excuses and little lies as to why I do certain things.
Your point about your friends being a reflection of yourself is a great point. If you go through life denying who you are and trying to fight it, you're much more likely to befriend people who bash and look down upon trans people and its probably not a good idea to come out to them. On the other hand, if you embrace and love yourself and differences in others, you're much more likely to end up with accepting friends who will think you're crazy, but still love you.
I thank you for your inspiring story!
