August 20, 2003 10:57 PM BST
i cannot say enough good things about contacting a local support group to help one venture "out". i am in the process of doing this right now and cant wait for my first outing where i actually get to related with others in the world as a whole person. the support group that i have encountered will allow me to come as i am. but i will show up as sumana. these people have been so encouraging with no pressure and so understanding, its beautiful!
i am not alone. for the newbees like me, you are not alone! smile we have friends! we might not know it yet if we are all up in a closet somewhere, but we have friends and they are waiting. i think im about to have a tear!
sumana