by Gina Bennett

Created on: August 14, 2010

Coming out to your family. Telling your family you wish to change genders. Wow, this is definitely a touchy subject. For a lot of people, there is the fear of losing everything. Friends, family, homes, employment. This is definitely not to be taken lightly, People are scared of us as a people because we make them question themselves on a level so deep that most think it is infallable. Then there's the whole religious aspect. Religion basically tells you how to run your life, what to believe, what is right or wrong and all that jazz. There are a lot of other things that can cause a multitude of issues, which I will not get into because I could be here for hours.

When I decided to come out to my parents, it was a tough choice as my father was extremely homophobic and my mother was overly religious. This made things really difficult as I knew right off what my mother's reaction was going to be and I wasn't disappointed. I ended coming out to her over the phone and then a couple of years later, I wrote her a letter that was two pages, single spaced and size ten font. I told her what I was feeling, where I'd come from, how I felt all through my childhood and alot of other personal things. After this we didn't talk for three months.

I feel it is best for someone to fully consider the consequences of telling your family that you wish to be the opposite gender. Make sure that you are completely sure of the fact and then just jump in head first. It's scary, yes, but the quicker it is done, the quicker that you will know where you stand. I'm not one who believes in beating around the bush. Coming out will also let you know who truly stands by you and who loves you unconditionally. If someone decides to leave you because you decide to transition, then I do not believe they are worth having in your life and it may just be easier for you to cut your losses and let them go.

All in all, be careful and wise, but get it over with. Once you know where people stand, the easier it will be for you to move on to the next aspect of your once in a lifetime journey.

Good luck and remember: I'm rooting for you.

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