OUT

I am now out to my parents.
Well, my close parents. My mother doesn't know yet, but she'll be the riskiest, for reasons I will explain shortly.
The letter/note I wrote to my Dad is below, though I hand-wrote it (in small caps) on notepaper.

Dad,

I don't really know how to say shit like this.
I'm transitioning to male.
I'm sorry if this upsets you - I'm not trying to hurt anyone.

I've been doing research into this for seven months or more, since I found out it was possible.
I have trans friends, most notably my mate Dylan who lives in Cornwall, so has lots of relevant advice on transitioning in the UK.

I've been putting off telling you for months.
But I want to finish my Deed Poll and I wanted you to choose a middle name for me (you don't have to, I just wanted you to be involved).

I love you very much, I'm so sorry if this upsets you.

- Ethan <3
PS: I won't change, of course, except I'll become more male in appearance as the hormones take hold, and I'll be happier & more confidant.
PPS: Yes, I want this.
PPPS: Yes, I've thought it all through.
PPPPS: Ask any questions you like, of course, even if they sound stupid.

As usual, his response was the best one could hope for from a parent: "I don't care, as long as you're happy, and safe."

I'm thinking I might laminate the letter. It's a big marker in my life, that letter.
I'm out to the most important family member, the one who I would be completely devastated without. I mean, I'd be devastated at the loss of ANY family member, but my dad is the core of the family - he's calm, intelligent, articulate and umm, the best way to say it would be he has high leadership: He's observant (spots details) and piercing (spots details about PEOPLE, things they try to hide, etc), never rude, trusting whilst not being a fool, has excellent control over his temper...
Basically without him I don't think The Family would be The Family.

Anyhow. I'm out, wheee!

Mother then.. Well mother hated having my brother - "Ew, it's a boy" - and still tends to call me her little girl. She doesn't want us joining the Army (including Navy and Airforce) or the Police, or she'll disown us (us being my brother and I).
She's just.. Difficult. I worry about her.
I'd rather tell her in person, as horrible as that could be, because I want to make sure she doesn't go mental. Because I love her, and I want to protect her and make sure she's happy and safe - she's my mother after all. Without my parents I wouldn't be me. Mother gave me computers and language, plants, herbs, and geekery and books and sci-fi, and slightly old-fashioned manners, Dad gave me spatial awareness, logic, art, music, history, honour, respect. And both gave me a firm belief in magic - not abracadabra stuff, but things like The Secret, positive reinforcement, trusting that we ourselves control our destinies.

I'm babbling now, and must get back to work.
Oh, work. Well, my mate in stores knows (took that photo, up top, yesterday).
But I don't think they could handle it so I just shan't tell them. They're not exactly PC or H&S compliant, so..
I don't think they'd be rude or anything... I just think it would complicate things for them, and I don't want to confuse my manager, he's an all right bloke.

Anyhow, must dash. :)