Having the Conversation It’s common to want or hope for positive reactions from the people you tell, but that may not happen immediately. It might help to try to put yourself in their shoes to try and understand their likely reactions, potential questions and next steps. The person to whom you disclose being transgender might feel: n Surprised n Honored n Uncomfortable n Scared n Unsure how to react n Distrusting n Supportive n Skeptical n Relieved n Curious n Confused n Angry n Uncertain what to do next You may want to verbalize the range of feelings they might be having and reassure them that it’s OK to ask questions. People will generally take their cues from you as to how they should approach things, so if you’re open and honest, you’re more likely to get openness and honesty in return. Appropriate and gentle humor can also go a long way toward easing anxiety for both you and the person with whom you’re speaking. Always remember to give them time. It has taken you time to get to this point. Now they might need time to understand things, too.
15