Good for you! Bravo! 

I gradually came out to everyone in my life over about a year, and kept a list on my iPhone until I was beyond about 50. It was fun for me to examine my list from time to time. I know now that I was feeling pride in my being authentic.

Follow your feelings and heart. You don’t “have” to come out to everyone nor do you have to publicly present as a woman, transition... If you will, take small bites, consider them slowly, and think about taking more. There’s no rush, really, although at my age I felt some pressure to make hay while the sun shines.

Have fun, too. It’s scary at times to be trans but it’s such a thrill ride to finally be one’s authentic self after so many years of shame and oppression. 

P.S. Nice photo! You look terrific!

I know what you mean about not hurting anyone. Should I be honest and true and shatter a friends illusion or not? I want to be authentic but not for selfish reasons--well, maybe. In my case, so far, so good.

1 hour ago, MichelleLea said:

I know what you mean about not hurting anyone. Should I be honest and true and shatter a friends illusion or not? I want to be authentic but not for selfish reasons--well, maybe. In my case, so far, so good.

Yeah, a very understandable concern that I shared. I decided to come out because:

• I imagined laying on my death bed heartbroken that I'd squandered my opportunity, wishing that I'd stood up for myself.
• They say that you find out who is truly a friend and those who're less so. I lost a few friends, fewer than 5-10. 
• We never know how much quality time we have left. Time to make hay while the sun shines.
• Is it really selfish to claim and be your authentic self? Not at all in my book. You're being true to yourself. If you lose a friend(s) they were friendly with the false you. 

It's scary to come out, certainly. I am not saying that you should or should not. I know trans women who hope the world will change to fully embrace them. I think they have their priorities out of order. We first have to learn to embrace ourselves regardless of external affirmations. The world follows, naturally attracted to happy and authentic people. 

Well said Emma, why I love your input.  Yes when you reach the senior years, you've often already given so much to everyone else and sacrificed your own mental health for it or not recognized it, I think sometimes. Hey you don't regret it, but comes a time when the realization hits you in the head, that it's time to do what I want, what makes me feel good, what makes me true to myself, and if or if not others can or will accept it or not? So what! Yes, the world can follow or not, but I'm happy and that is what counts. You look good and happy in your skin, MicheleLea, and hope you continue😊

Great comments all. For me, I am happy being who I am and wouldn't change it, except maybe to be more feminine. That is a good thing. I'm just glad that someone close to me knows. I don't plan on leaving the earth anytime soon, but I would hate to have my sister be shocked to find all my girly stuff after I'm gone. I owe at least that much to her. Being trans and non-conforming does have its challenges for sure.