Letter to my parents, first draft.

I'm interested in feedback and even simple grammatical notes (the original I modified for this was written by someone who had already socially transitioned.)

I'm not fully happy with some terminology matters; I'm trying to walk the line of what will be understandable to them now.

Dear Mom & Dad,

I am writing to share something with you that is very difficult for me to share and that I have been dealing with as I far back as I can remember. Even though it is difficult for me, I have to share this with you now so that the relationship we have can continue. I have been suffering from an internal conflict that has consumed and immensely influenced my life in a negative way. The medical term for my condition is Gender Dysphoria. Most of society would refer to this as being a Transsexual. What this really means is that, though biologically I was born a male my brain and my own sense of being is that of a female. This is not the same has being a cross-dresser, drag queen or female impersonator or being a gay male; in fact, it is very much unrelated. Inside I have always felt as though I was female and I never knew what to do about it.

I have tried hard through my life to keep this a secret and suppress my very being. Taking this action has lead to so many counter productive and stressful results in my personal life that I have come to the realization that I can no longer entertain doing so. For this reason, several years ago I began working with several medical professionals to help me align my body with my mind, in an effort to become a complete and happy person. I needed to find some peace of mind and through the course of my treatment I have been able to begin finding it. There has been so much that has demonstrated to me this is the right path for me; the road I need to follow.

For much of this time I have not known how to talk to the two of you, but having this conversation is necessary and I cannot wait much longer. As you might imagine, this decision was not taken lightly or without much contemplation. In the coming months, I will have discussions with HR and my management at and following that I will begin living full time as a woman. I will be changing my name to . I realize that this may be hard for you to understand. I have appreciated the patience and love that you have had for me through so many times in the past. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable but I want to be able to continue to have a relationship with you and to share time and joy while being true to myself. If you have questions, I will be happy to answer them. I know that it may take some time to get used to my new name and pronouns. I will extend the benefit of patience to you and ask that you be patient with me as well. I love you both.

Love .