Coming Out to Long-Term Friends

[Eryn]

Coming out to three more co-workers!

Another big opportunity presented itself today and I grabbed it!

Some co-workers were having an after-work b**** session at a nearby restaurant. I dropped in with the group, in my normal work attire. In attendance were the group of people who I've most wanted to come out to, including the one work colleague that I'm already out to. There were two GGs, two males, and me.

Now, I am always cautious about these things, as a secret once told cannot be untold. Still, I was tempted to tell them.

The conversation wended its way around to the bathroom battles. Three of the people were of the "who cares where people pee" attitude. One expressed the "what about the little girls?" propaganda. I kept my head down, not wanting to tip my hand. I felt a bit gut-punched, as the one who repeated the propaganda was also the one I thought would be most supportive.

The conversation drifted and I told them about the private performance art club that I'd auditioned for and just been accepted. I showed them my membership card, not showing them the back with my female name. They all congratulated me and the conversation went on.

The session was winding down and I decided that the time was as right as it would ever get. I said "Before we leave, there's something that I've wanted to tell all of you. The bathroom conversation a while ago bothered me because it's very close to home for me. You see, I'm transgendered."

Everyone there was outwardly supportive and thanked me for telling them. One of the GGs said "Do you want me to call you by your female name?" I replied that the name to use is the one that matches my presentation and I'm not bothered by mistakes.

I said "To give you an idea of where I am at, I'd like you all to look at the back of this membership card" and passed it around. They were surprised to see my female name. I told them "Yes, I auditioned and was accepted as my female self, and in fact I've never been to the club as a male."

We all got up to leave, and both of the GGs made a point to give me a hug, something that they had never done before.

I am very happy with the outcome. Of course, the future might be interesting, as there are now three additional people who are now "in the know" and I cannot realistically expect the secret to be kept. It's just too juicy.

I actually think that this might be a good thing. I now have a core group of supportive people who will say "Of course I knew, so what?" if asked about me. Word will likely trickle out to others which in my environment might be a better way for it to happen than to have a "grand announcement".