I have been incredibly lucky with my coming out, and I know it. Apart from my ex-wife's initial reaction, I have been met with nothing but support and acceptance. In some occasions, it goes even beyond that, and that acceptance comes with a dollop of kindness and love on top.
Take today, for example. I was feeling under the weather so I called in sick and went to the doctor. My GP was busy so I had to go to another doctor in the clinic, to whom I had to explain the discrepancy between my presentation and the name and gender in my file. After he asked me about HRT, he added that he had a lot of respect for trans people because he couldn't imagine how hard it must be to take this step and asked how I was feeling about it and what my experience had been like so far.
A bit later, picking up the 3-year-old at the creche, there was only one teacher left, a very sweet and friendly one who has babysat the kids a few times and is the closest to us there. She apologised that she hadn't spoken to me all week, but she was always busy when I was there, and she really wanted to tell me how much she admired and respected what I had done. Also, she said she and another teacher remarked how much happier I seemed now and that that in turn made her very happy. ♥️ I ended up staying a bit longer to talk to her about transition and, well, just girly things in general.
I am truly blessed. I never imagined when I started coming out that this path would have had so much starlight illuminating it. I know there will be transphobia and some bad moments in the future, but when they do happen I can take solace in all the kindness I have received so far. This is how it should always be.
