As I begin tentative preparations for an eventual evening out where the dress code demands a formal gown like the one I’m wearing here, I’ve also begun tentative mental preparations for an eventual formal coming out to friends and family.
To date, I’ve come out as trans to only four people in my nonline life: my mom, my wife, my personal counselor, and our couple’s counselor. And if you’ve ever come out to anyone, particularly if the reception was welcoming, you’ve likely experienced the same euphoria that I have: it’s exhilarating, it’s enlightening, it’s addictive. It makes me want to tell everyone and finally be free of that damned closet.
But of course, it’s not that easy, is it? It certainly hasn’t been for me. For one, I suspect I lack the courage for such an endeavor at this point… though I feel my fortitude building. More importantly for me is the consideration I must give to my wife and children, and how such a revelation will affect them now and in the future.
My idols for such an endeavor remain those incredible individuals I’ve met online (and in person) in the past 3 years who have declared their whole and true identities to the world, including those who have transitioned, those who are transitioning, and those who’ve withdrawn the curtain between their masculine and feminine personas and shown the entirety of their true selves to their friends and families.
And so, as I’ve mentioned before, my evolution continues. For now, I’m content to allow these lofty goals to percolate underneath the various wigs I intermittently don. I’ll continue to learn from my amazing friends and await the day when I’m intrepid enough to follow in their steps.
As ever, your support and encouragement mean the world to me. Remember to stay true to yourselves, and I'll try to do the same.
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