strategic_tragedies: Things like that really raise my blood pressure. Especially when people don't understand what trans people can be gay/lesbian. That seems like a common stumbling block, and I don't get it.
Honestly, while ignorance can always be hurtful, I'm usually willing to try to talk to someone who just seems to be unfamiliar with the issues. But I've encountered too many people who just haven't been willing to budge or acknowledge what people try to explain to them.
Shadow Dragon: Good luck with your parents! I think it's probably a good sign that your mom hasn't made a big deal about it, but I understand your anticipation and concern. It's possible your mom is still processing it.
I feel like I'm at a standstill right now. I'm out to a lot of my friends, especially my QUILTBAG friends. But I'm not out to say, my professors, and it's an uncomfortable position to be in. I don't anticipate transitioning anytime too soon, and I'm still unsure about what I would want to do to transition. I'm fairly sure I want top surgery, and have been for a while now. But I'm less sure about hormones, or having my gender legally changed. I hate that those things will be necessary in order to have people see me the way I want to be seen. And I hate feeling like I can't be out as trans as long as I don't look like a man to most people. I feel like I don't have much right to want people to use my preferred pronouns, or try to tell them how I identify, when I look like a woman no matter how I dress or groom myself.
And of course, I'm aware that coming out is a fraught and risky process to begin with.
I also have some concerns about my mom. I'm out to her, but I know she doesn't really understand. I know it will be a challenge when I do start planning for top surgery more seriously. She's against any "cosmetic" surgery, and the one time I brought up surgery to her, she cautioned me against becoming a "plastic surgery addict." I know she's open-minded, and would likely try to relate if I put forth my reasoning, but that's a very vulnerable position to put myself in. But there's no way I would have surgery without her knowing about it, and I don't think I could do it without a support system.
At the moment, it's not really an issue, but it's in the back of my mind.
I also have some concerns about an upcoming family wedding. I really don't know if I'd feel comfortable wearing feminine clothes, but I know wearing a suit probably wouldn't fly with extended family. And that's even assuming I could get a suit that fits me.