I'm afraid I can't help you, Ender, as I transitioned in a large town (well, large by UK standards of the time, anyway). I think J Deere's correct though - it all depends on the people involved. Some people have wonderful experiences with regard to family and acquaintancs, other have shitty ones. Personally, I had a poor experience with my family (not dreadful, but poor), and with the rest of the world it ranged from marvellous to horrid. And I was cold-shouldered by the lesbian community back then, too (but dont think overly harsh thoughts about them - things were tougher for lesbians back then - paranoia was more understandable).
Thing is, life is a non-repeatable experiment. The way I approach big things like this is to look at the practical possibilities, then decide what to do based on whether I can live with this or that chocie even if it turns out not so good. That is to say, whilst I might come to regret the outcome of my choice of action, I won't regreat making that actual choice because it seemed reasonable, and seemed to be either the best possible or the least worst under the circumstances.
In your situation though, seems to me that trying out socially reassigning in small dollops, if possible, may be a good idea. Is there somewhere you could go for a week or so, presenting as male, without causing problems - staying with a sympathetic friend out of town, perhaps? It'd give you at least some idea of how well reassignment suits you (and how well the world accepts you as male).
Amyway -whatever you do, good luck, Ender! May deity smile upon you, always.
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