It’s difficult for people who never experienced questions about their gender to understand those who do, Sarah. It sounds like your parents were good to you as you were growing up and there doesn’t seem to have been much communication going on about how you felt. I don’t imagine many parents are equipped to handle a revelation like this well.

Your mother can’t help how she feels anymore than you can. For most of her life, issues like this weren’t even on her radar. Up until recently, there was little to no awareness among the general public. People fear what they don’t understand and your parents feared for you. I wish you the best.