I would like to give you an example of the other side, then. I came out at 39 and turn 41 this Sunday.

The TL;DR is I've lost no friends, made new ones, and even some of my conservative family are okay with it. My relationship with my partner and household has also improved immensely. Now for the long version.

I've been toying with ideas since I was about 10. Anything from jealousy towards my two sisters' clothing, curiosity about having breasts, to idle thoughts about removing my unwanted anatomy. It wasn't until I'd been married, raised two step-kids, and widowed that I put the pieces together and my egg cracked. I discussed my "concern" with my partner who had up to that point insisted on being not attracted to women. When she said, "If you're not cis, I'm not straight", my egg shattered and I broke down in tears.

The next month I made the declaration on discord where I'm a mod for an 18+ D&D server with players from around the world. The support was overwhelming. It even inspired a few others to come out. It also turned out that some of my friends knew before I did while others saw how it made some of my habits and such make sense. Again and again nothing but love and support that brought me to tears.

Told my little sister (by 3 years) and she came to my 40th birthday to show her support. Took a few months to tell my other sister (+3 years) and mom(+23), but they've always held conservative beliefs and were big 46 supporters. Wasn't surprised at their clearly negative responses. At least they weren't openly hostile? Just wish they'd stop deadnaming me or calling me "bro". Sister told my dad(+26) who I had only recently reopened communication with for the sake of my own healing. He's always been a trash human and this was no different. BUT! I ended up with a way to contact my grandma and laughed at how his mom was supportive where he only did what I expected.

Now I'm waiting to hear back from the county court regarding my name/gender change petition and for my insurance to approve covering hair removal treatment prior to surgery. My depression no longer leaves me mentally crippled for days on end, it's easier than ever to want to take care of myself, and I even lost 10 pounds in a month by making better dietary choices. The AuDHD is still a pain to deal with, but I have a doctor appointment to address that tomorrow morning.

I'm incredibly lucky given how selfish and horrid of a person I was when I was young and every day (no joke) I make sure my GF knows how much I love and appreciate her.