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Coming out is a lot more difficult than I thought it'd be

ashi
Community Member

I'm under 16 years old, biologically female, and I identify as transmasc. I do plan on transitioning when I can and have the money to, but right now, I really just want someone to call me by the name I want them to, or just use he/they pronouns instead of she/her.

My school has a transgender support pin board, which helps me feel a bit more confident, that was until I heard a few of my friends comment things like "Ewww" or "Transgender week is over, why don't they take this down?" and even calling some of the transgender people ugly. I know they could just be joking, and I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have said that if they knew I was trans, but it hurts to know they would actually say that.

My friends don't have anything against the LGBT+ community, some of them don't understand much of it but they've respected it, well, besides that situation mentioned before.

I'm also worried about talking to the teachers, I've gotten along with most of them, and it makes me feel safe when I see the pride themed tag thing they wear, but I'm still not confident enough to go up to them and say "Hey, sorry to bother you, but during class can you call me ### instead of ###?", if they comply, then it would be awkward to talk to my friends if they notice and ask why the teachers call me that instead of my supposed name.

Most importantly though, I'm 80% my parents would hate me if I told them I was trans, my mom is somewhat open to the LGBTQ+ community, though again, she's not very well educated in that, but she's had some strong beliefs in how woman or men should act, and she strongly believes I'm a strong woman, which is great, but how am I going to go and tell her "Sorry mom, but I identify as male" and just kinda break what image she conjured of me? My dad is complicated, I doubt he hates the LGBTQ+ community, but I also doubt he'll be okay with me being trans. My parents are currently divorced, my mom lives in China while I live in Australia with my dad, so if my dad kicks me out, there's not much I can do.

The help I'm asking for here though, is should I come out to my friends and/or my teachers? I feel like it would be a big step forwards, but maybe too big.

1 Reply 1

smallwolf
Community Champion
Community Champion

hello and welcome.

It sounds like you're navigating a lot of complex emotions and situations, and you're handling it with incredible thoughtfulness. First, know that your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be respected for who you are.

 

And I think you would understand this, but I cannot answer your question you put at the bottom of yur post, but I cam give you some things to think about so that you might be able to work out what would be best for you.

 

There’s no right timeline, and your safety and comfort should always come first. You’re brave for even considering these steps, and it’s clear you’re thoughtful about how to move forward. Deciding to come out is deeply personal, and it’s okay to take your time.

 

Does your school have a counsellor or similar you could talk to? They might also be able to point you in the right direction with regard to resources and next steps?

 

Take each step when you’re ready.