I told someone my name

I came out to my friends group a few weeks ago. I’ve been going slow, and I didn’t ask them to change pronouns or my name just yet. They were all super supportive! I knew I liked that group 😀

I also came out over the phone to my mother last weekend. She was supportive, but I could tell she needed some time to process everything. I said I wasn’t ready to tell the rest of my family yet.

This Saturday I talked with her again, and we had a great conversation. She is afraid for me but trusts I know what I’m getting into. She said it was my secret to tell, and is fine not saying anything until I’m ready.

For some reason I was most afraid to tell my sister. I was like 80% she was going to be ok with it, but the fear was there. I decided to rip off the bandaid yesterday and texted a big long detailed letter.

She responded in less than 10 minutes and asked my name. I have been throwing one name around in my head but up until then I haven’t told anyone other than my therapist.

So I told her.

I immediately posted into my friend’s discord server the name too. Everyone was great about it and I’m more convinced that I like the name. I went about the rest of the day feeling relieved that it’s done.

Then last night just before bed the realization about how big a deal that was to me just hit me. I started bawling ugly tears of happiness. I told someone my name! I’m going to be able to talk to people as me! It’s the first step to finally being able to drop the mask. I had no idea I was going to react like that. It was the greatest feeling to be seen.

In that moment I decided I need to start voice training. There’s so much work to do but it’s an amazing feeling to start. I can’t wait!

Hi, I’m Charlotte.