My best friend has always supported me, since she found out when we were but 14. She was at my house overnight and apparently not as sound a sleeper as I had thought. I had taken to wearing a nightgown to bed each night, just because I felt better doing so, but had taken precautions not to get caught doing it. I got up and pulled the gown out of my drawer from under my shirts and while I was slipping it over my head she sat up and looked at me. I know when the collar made it over my head and I saw her I must have turned a thousand shades of red. She just smiled and said, "It looks nice on you. Now let's get to sleep."

She has been my best friend since we were 9 years old and the fact that she accepted this in me made my heart leap for joy! The next night I stayed over at her house with her. I will never forget that night. While her parents went out for a few hours she took me into her bedroom and dressed me completely as a girl and styled my hair into the best feminine style she could manage. Then she led me to the hall mirror and let me see myself fully dressed as a girl for the first time. Then she asked a question that changed me for the rest of my life. "What do I call you when you're dressed like this?" I just looked at her and without thinking the word "Ariana" came out of my mouth as if on it's own. She held out her hand and shook mine and said it's nice to meet you Ariana. About an hour later, I had to change back before her parents returned home, I don't think I've been sadder since.