April 2014: I come out as trans. Three weeks later, I chicken out and walk the whole thing back using whatever reason best got the whole thing out of people's heads. Couldn't get it out of my head though.
Starting at Thanksgiving, I started telling immediate family, close friends, etc. Let them know I chickened out the first time because I was terrified, but this isn't going away until I address it. The family members and friends who objected the first time largely still objected this time. Overall though, like 80% support. Totally amazed and so lucky.
On New Year's Day, I sent out a blast message on Facebook, informed everyone in my extended circle of friends, and basically just let people make up their own minds. Some folks had questions, and as someone who's got near-limitless patience for educating others, answered the vast majority of them - in a couple of cases flipping people against my transition squarely into the for column.
Mom and Dad still kind of have their struggles - I was dad's oldest son, so there's all of that malarkey, and on mom's side I was an only child (dad had an adventurous 1980s) so she felt like she was losing her child for a while. It's only really recently, when she's seen JUST how flipping happy my adorable butt is, and how much stronger my friendships seem to be now - while seeing that many of the core things that made me me are still there - that she's coming around.
The one thing that's even surprised me is watching my friendships change and evolve: I'm much closer friends with my friends now. With my guy friends, I'm able to open about whatever we're talking about more now since I'm not having to constantly inhibit myself. Friendships with my female friends have improve dramatically - I now count among my besties two people I was only tangential acquaintances with as a guy.
One of my guy friends wound up asking me on a date: That was kind of awesome, and kind of awkward. I WISH another, specific one, would - I've been crazy about him for years.
Overall? I'm happier than ever, healthier than I've been in eons, and I wish I'd done this ten years ago.