I came out as transgender publicly on my 16th birthday. As a sophomore in high school I wanted nothing more than to be accepted by my family for who I was. You are just a kid at that age and to be accepted is the goal, it's normal to hide yourself if it means achieving acceptance. The difference is I decided I was sick of hiding, even if it meant being accepted, I had already spent 4 and a half years hiding who I was from everyone around me. I felt an extreme amount of relief once I came out, I had the weight off of my chest and started to let people into my life that I never expected I would. It's been almost two years since I officially came out to everyone and it was one of the most relieving things I've ever done. I let more than just a few of my friends in, I let my whole family see who I truly was. I let them know that even though I identify as a male that doesn't change who I am as a person, it doesn't change the fact I love dresses and make up or that I love feminine things. I could finally tell my family about my true feelings and what I have experienced that I've hidden for years. I got lucky with my coming out experience, I didn't get people constantly badgering me nor did I get hate, of course I learned who was truly with me, but I mainly just got flooded with love and support from a lot of my friends and family. I can now vent to family members about what injustices I experience or see constantly, I don't have to hide how I feel anymore and it is an amazing relief. I don't think I will ever regret coming out, I know I will have unfair experiences and be treated differently by the world, but the downsides will never compare to the positive aspects of it. The relief as well as having a bigger support system in my life is more than I ever expected to happen from coming out. I have become closer to my mom and brother since then and have made a lot more friends who share similar experiences to me. Coming out was scary but I would do it time and time again if it meant being able to get closer to those around me.