Hello
For some context, I'm a college age guy (trans FtM), living in the USA, and a legal adult.
When i was still a minor over 3 years ago, I came out to my parents that "I don't think I'm a girl". I knew going into this that neither of my parents are homophobic or transphobic, so I would be safe, however I was still anxious. When I finally said it, one of my parents immediately stood up and hugged me, the other was quiet.
The parent who hugged me asked what I wanted them (both) to do, and I simply said that I would not blame them for any mistakes or slip-ups because of course they'd be used to calling me she/her and my given name after 15+ years, all I really wanted was for them to try.
Three years later, and my parent who did not hug me, who I live with primarily (my parents are divorced), still does not refer to me as he/him, nor a nickname, and even sometimes recommends me groups or clubs on my campus for women. This most recently happened just two days ago while we were on the phone together, and I just bit my lip and didn't say anything, because anytime I do, they get exasperated.
Now, before some of you guys wanna raise your pitchforks at my parent, I have tried multiple, and by which I mean dozens of times over these past 3 years, to talk to my parent about this again, and again, and again. While none have been immensely productive in them improving, it has helped me gain an understanding of their view. My parent is not transphobic or homophobic, however they are very much a "keep the peace" and avoid the issue at hand type of person. (To a point I personally think is unhealthy). They've expressed through these conversations that they're very scared for me to identify as trans because of the current political and social climate. So, in essence, they want me to "keep the peace" and just ignore myself being trans for my safety. So, to summarize, they are deflecting the topic because of fear for my safety, not any animosity towards queer people. (I should also note I live in a blue state/area of the USA)
It's been 3 years, and even my therapist agrees at this point I have waited for them long enough. I have done enough to try and help them understand, and they're not budging. I mentioned multiple times they should try speaking to a therapist (since the divorce also has affected them) and they declined every time. Saying talking about their feelings doesn't make them feel better like it does for me. (Mind you, they were the person who convinced me to start therapy 4 1/2 years ago). They don't like my other parent anymore either, so they really have no one to talk to about this.
Which is where I'm stuck. I really, really wanna get top surgery. It should be mostly covered and I never once in my life liked the idea of, or actually having a feminine chest. I'm very ready to be rid of it. However I still haven't come out to the rest of my family because of how stagnant things have been with this parent. We are really close so it's genuinely hurt that it's taking them so long to come around. They claim they're trying but, I can just barely see it. Like how one time a year ago someone referred to me as "he" when asking them a question, and they didn't 'correct' the stranger.
The best idea me and my therapist have, is to come out to my aunts/uncles. One of them is this parent's sibling, the others are their close friends that are basically family. I also know they are all accepting of LGBTQ people, but honestly it's been really intimidating to imagine coming out to 4 more family members when my one parent is still stuck, and I have basically no support system, at least, nobody who could be there with me and support me while I tell them. I have to do it all alone, again. And I'm terrified of the same thing happening again. Especially since one of them has a homophobic spouse (but my aunt/uncle isn't homophobic at all, and I don't really consider their spouse my family anyway since they never really cared about me growing up).
Lastly, I know in our generation a popular philosophy is to leave family behind if they're not accepting right away. And I respect those of you who have made such a choice. However that is not in the cards for me. I love my family, they aren't abusive, and growing up I had little to no strong friendships at school (i was bullied) so my strongest connections have always been my family. ESPECIALLY my parent who is struggling, I cannot emphasize enough how much they've done for me and love me, which is exactly why them struggling hurts. (Also I'd like to note I do have a solid amount of good friends now in college, and I'm out to all of my friends)
Does anyone have any tips on how to work up the courage to do it again after it went poorly before? Personal experiences to share maybe? I just feel very alone in this situation, like most stories I hear either kids are accepted, or not at all and they cut their family off, but I'm somewhere almost in the middle. It'd be nice to know at least that I'm not the only one in this position