Best ways to come out to my longtime, close friend?

[ohka15.livejournal.com]

I am looking for advice. I want to come out to my longtime friend Will.

He is a cis, heterosexual guy. Relatively masculine, loves sports, dated a decent amount of girls (10 to 20 different girls I think) since college began, and sometimes gives me the vibe of a jock or frat guy mentality ever since college. I do know that he is accepting of gay people so I know that he is not completely closed-mind, but I have zero idea on what his stance is on transgender people. He and I have been really close friends since the 4th grade. We use to do a lot of stuff together. Play games, me trying to play sports against him, card games, movies, etc. We still stayed friends despite being separated in different colleges/cities and a year post college. He moved back into town almost a year ago now, and we still have hang out every now and then.

I think that I am finally getting tired of keeping this a secret from him. He has noticed that I am growing out my hair, losing weight, living with girls, and perhaps my hairless extremities. I am not an effeminate guy around him (or around most people really) so I doubt he suspects that I am transgender. He knows that I am hiding something from him (perhaps he assumes I am gay). I am pessimistic person, so I do think it is realistic that he may decide to never to see or talk to me again because he has been a stubborn guy in the past on various things. A part of me wanted to wait till I was at least a bit more passable as a girl before I came out to him or anyone else, but that will probably take time, so I figure it may be best to get it over with soon. I just want this weight off my shoulders.

If he accepts that I am transgender, then that will make me feel better and finally can feel like I don't have to hide this side of me from him.

I just need advice on how to best tell him this about me in the best manner that will also maintain our friendship for the future.

Singing workshop in Berkeley, CA for and by trans people

[feignresistance.livejournal.com]

Beginning Singing Workshop for LGBTQ People
Lead by Eli Conley
12 - 2 pm Saturday June 4th
At the Pacific Center in Berkeley, CA
2712 Telegraph Berkeley, CA 94705
$15 - $30 sliding scale
No one turned away for lack of funds

You just need to show up the day of to participate. If you would like more information you can e-mail hueastbay@gmail.com

This is a singing workshop open to all LGBTQ-identified people, whether you've sung professionally or have never sung a note. Come prepared to experiment with your voice and explore the basics of singing in a fun group setting. The workshop will have a special focus on the unique issues of transgender and genderqueer people in singing.

Presenter:
Eli Conley is an indie folk singer/songwriter and voice teacher. He is a former member of the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus, and has released his first CD, All the Livelong Day. Eli teaches community singing classes and private voice lessons. As a gay transgender man, he has a special interest in working with transgender and genderqueer singers. www.eliconley.com

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