I suppose you cannot expect anyone to come to terms with someone who makes a decision to transition.We would be naive to think that any person whether they a friend or family member to just say "OK". I suppose it all boils down to their understanding and knowledge these days. The enormity of the issue is just too hard for some to come to terms with. Like so many before me and after me we lose some and gain some.
My parents have taken it hard,this decision of mine, "Old school mentality". Not their fault but some are like that. Not wanting to open their minds to what is going on around them.Having no idea of who I was before certainly came as a hell of a shock to them when I did tell them. For that I apologise but looking back at that time period things werent good for the family in the preceeding months and maybe years. So when do you tell your folks. When your physicality starts to change? When there is too many obvious signs to show your body is changing. Timing.........its all down to timing........
My sister who knew a long time before my parents showed me that her life is just too busy to have much to do with her family nowadays. When the time came to tell my parents she wasnt to be seen or heard for support.
My far flung relatives have dealt with it better. Not kith and kin I suppose,not direct members of the family and much easier to deal with. Distance helps,living on the other side of the world.But I am very grateful they opened their minds.
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Friends.............you know who your true friends are.....
I look back over the last ten years and I can only think of one friend? who has far removed himself from me. His loss,although knowing him I could have placed him on top of the list for being a "redneck". His wife a truly wonderful person has had no problems,pity she is so restricted by him. A long standing friend,one who was their through the teenage years and beyond has been great. Sadly we dont see much of each other as we both live such busy lives. A lot more people have been accepting than I thought. It has made my life much easier.
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I must make special mention of my ex parents in law.
Two truly wonderful people who have taken my partner and I under their wing and been there for us when we needed it. Considering their catholic upbringing they have amazed me by their acceptance. I have now "adopted" them as my new parents. Hope you both can deal with that,but then you do have a large family? Whats a couple more faces around at christmas...... |
