coming out
Many trans* people come out at least one time during their lives. Some come out as gay/bisexual/lesbian before coming out as transgender.
There is no right or wrong WAY nor TIME to come out. Some individuals begin transitioning before coming out, while others come out as a first (or only) step in their transition.
There are as many ways to come out as there are ways to communicate (i.e. in person, phone call, text, email, social media messages, written letters, etc.).
Many trans* individuals will come out multiple times (i.e. family, friends, employers/ coworkers, teachers, etc.).
There is no way to predict how anyone will react to a transgender person coming out to them.
When coming out, trans* people are commonly met with confusion, anger, guilt, inappropriate questions, and/or some form of violence (whether it be emotional, verbal, physical, etc.). Examples of common inappropriate questions are:
Since the trans* community is so invisible and misunderstood by the general population, a trans* person may have to define and explain their identity. When explaining their identity, they may face ridicule, invalidating remarks, and disapproval.
There is no right or wrong WAY nor TIME to come out. Some individuals begin transitioning before coming out, while others come out as a first (or only) step in their transition.
There are as many ways to come out as there are ways to communicate (i.e. in person, phone call, text, email, social media messages, written letters, etc.).
Many trans* individuals will come out multiple times (i.e. family, friends, employers/ coworkers, teachers, etc.).
There is no way to predict how anyone will react to a transgender person coming out to them.
When coming out, trans* people are commonly met with confusion, anger, guilt, inappropriate questions, and/or some form of violence (whether it be emotional, verbal, physical, etc.). Examples of common inappropriate questions are:
- Wait...so you aren't a REAL man/woman?!
- Have you had THE surgery yet?
- What's your real name?
Since the trans* community is so invisible and misunderstood by the general population, a trans* person may have to define and explain their identity. When explaining their identity, they may face ridicule, invalidating remarks, and disapproval.