A Little Progress...

[Anne Bonny]

Wow...nailed it! Exactly. Gender is our sense of who we are....and so looks are entirely something else and every person alive well most strive to look their best with what they have.

[Requal Jo]

You are certainly on the right pathway when you say that femininity comes from within and we what we feel from within ourselves. We all know and understand our own and individual feelings and should not be discouraged to disclose, explore and live them as we see fit.

I am sure that your mother and sister will readily accept you as you see yourself, when you are ready to share with them.

[Emily]

Thank you, Requal Jo. I hope so!

I have plans to see my sis next weekend... So fingers crossed that all goes well when we have our talk.

[Heather W]

Good luck with your sister Emma. Having the support of family is great and makes things a lot easier.

[Stephanie M]

Thank you, Requal Jo. I hope so!

I have plans to see my sis next weekend... So fingers crossed that all goes well when we have our talk.

I'll cross my fingers for you as well.

[Diana Michelle]

A little advice Emma for your talk with your sister. Go in expecting nothing and you may be pleasantly surprised. Having been through family rejection and reconciliation it sometimes takes time. Don't push it! Remember regardless of how long the journey it begins with a single step.

[Emily]

Thank you, Stephanie! I appreciate it!

Heather and Diana,

Thank you both! I can only imagine what it would be like to have family support. I feel that as long as I can have the support of my family, then really... nothing else matters. I guess its the fear of rejection from my family that scares me the most. Yes, it starts with a single first step. I will remember your good advice, Diana. Thank you so much!

[Emily]

Quick update - I had the talk with my sister and it went so much better than I could have imagined!

She is behind me 100%, which is an unbelievable feeling!!

I will also need to have that talk with my mom. My sister said that she would be there with me if I wanted her to be as she too is unsure of how my mom might take this news. She is just so sweet and I am lucky to have her as my sister.

[Anne Bonny]

Wow...I know the feeling of acceptance and support it is one of the best feelings we can experience inside. Congratulations! To be able now to be completely relaxed and open...wonderful!

[Stephanie M]

Awesome Emma!

[Heather W]

That is such wonderful news Emma! Having had my mother and sister behind me always made me know I was doing it right. My sister had known about my dressing for years and when I told her of my plans to transition and have GCS all she said was "What took you so longGood luck with the rest of the family.

[Amanda R]

The loving support of a family can get you through anything Emma regardless of what the situation is. I know I would never be where I am today without that.

For parents that acceptance is extremely difficult especially the older you and they are. There are the stigmas and stereotypes of yesterday to contend with but there is something else too in play IMO. For however many years you have been around they have seen and known you as their son. It takes a lot to accept that you are not that stereotype they expect. Be patient with your parents and every chance you get thank your sister for her love and support.

[Emily]

Thank you so much, Anne, Stephanie, Heather and Amanda!!!

It does feel good to finally be able to open up. I suppose for some of us, it gets to a point where we just don't want to hide anymore... CAN'T hide anymore. I think I've reached that point, but I know that I still need to be patient and take it slow even though on the inside I feel like shouting it out really, really loud!

Be patient with your parents and every chance you get thank your sister for her love and support.

Thanks, Amanda! Believe me, I have been thanking my sister almost everyday! We've been texting each other pretty much every other day and I always thank her and tell her I love her. I will be seeing her again this coming Saturday... She has more questions and wants to meet up again, so that's the plan! Hoping that it goes as well as last time.

[Mikaela]

Amazing progress. I'm following this with great interest. Sounds like you have an amazing family!

[Emily]

Thank you, Mikaela... I really do have an amazing family and amazing friends too!

Had another conversation with my sister on Saturday... She some questions, but really wanted to make sure I was ok. She was a little sad that I felt the need to hide this for so long, but she understood my reasons. She wanted me to know that she is fully supportive of me, as is her husband. She said that I just need to live my life for me and that while she always thought it was nice to have an older brother, that an older sister might be kind of cool too! She also wanted me to know that she is always there for me... and if I wanted her there with me when I have the conversation with my mom, then she would be there.

I also came out to my best friend of 20+ years! He was a little shocked to learn of this news... but he too is fully supportive and behind me 100% same as his wife. He said that he still loves me and that it doesn't change a thing. It feels amazing to finally be open about who I am... I wonder now why it took me so long, but better late than never.

I will be seeing my mom tomorrow night for a bit... I am going to let her know that I do need to sit down and talk to her. Seeing as Friday is a holiday... that might be a good time to talk. I am nervous, but something I need to do.