August 31, 2004 4:24 PM BST
JJ i've felt this way for a long while,but first decided to "come out" cos i was having great difficulty coping with what i was doing,even though it was hurting no-one.The first person i told was my mum..even though i wasn't sure of how she'd take it.When i did eventually tell her about me,she just gave me a great big hug and told me not to worry about a thing.This was back in August 1992 when i told her,and i've not told anyone else about me until this year(12 yrs later).i've since "come out" to my two younger brothers,both 33.Now the reaction i got from them was totally the opposite of what i was expecting
,cos they're both anti anything,my dad was just the same..apparently he'd known for ages but did'nt say a thing til now.I have even "came out" to a few very close friends,who were surprised at first when i told them but are now behind me 100%.I was expecting a rough ride when i told everyone,but that did'nt happen.So now i'm very happy that i'm out and that certain people know about maria.The first TM's i did in august has now given me so much confidence and self belief that i've started goin out dressed in public,and i'm lovin every minute of it.So to all of those that are thinkin of comin out and are'nt sure of how family will accept them i say " it's better to be out than in".I was worried about how my family would accept me,but accept me they have.hope this inspires you to become the person you've always wanted to be.Love and xxxx maria