Transgender Visibility Guide: Deciding to Tell Others
Some transgender people who wish to disclose this truth about themselves to others have reached a breaking point in their lives where it’s too difficult to hide who they are any longer.
Whether it’s the cross-dresser burdened with a secret he or she has hidden from their spouse or a young lesbian who feels she doesn’t fit into a traditional gender role, transgender people often feel compelled to share who they are in order to build stronger and more authentic relationships with those closest to them.
After disclosure, many people feel as if a great weight has been lifted from their shoulders. In the process of sharing who they are, they may also break down stereotypes and other barriers by living more open lives.
While there are benefits, there can also be serious risks and consequences involved. The decision is yours and yours alone. It’s important to weigh both risks and rewards before making a choice to tell others.
Some Benefits of Disclosure:
- Living an authentic and whole life
- Developing closer, more genuine relationships
- Building self-esteem from being known and loved for who we really are
- Reducing the stress of hiding our identity
- Having authentic and open friendships with other transgender people
- Becoming a role model for others
- Making it easier for younger transgender people who will follow in our footsteps
- Being more productive at work
Some Risks/Consequences of Coming Out:
- Not everyone will be understanding or accepting
- Family, friends and co-workers may be shocked, confused or even hostile
- Some relationships may permanently change
- You may experience harassment, discrimination or violence
- You may be thrown out of your home
- You may lose your job
- Some young people may lose financial support from their parents
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to disclose being transgender or to live openly. It may not mean you have to be out at all times or in all places. You have the right and the responsibility to decide how, where, when and even whether to share your identity with others, based on what’s right for you.
Transgender Visibility Guide
