(Sorry, not ready to write in Dutch yet so posting in English.) Coming out to my family and friends was, for me, easy and unproblematic. One of my two brothers even responded "great, I always wanted a sister." But, my old self had close to 2000 facebook friends, many who I interacted with regularly because I am very involved in a few groups where I post a lot of historical and biographical information. I decided to send the following text as a private message to roughly 150 people I am closest to first:
"The people closest to me have known for many years that I am transgender but I have not told this to everybody yet (although my not-overly-masculine appearance have given it away to some) - and now you know it too
Transgender means that I feel as a woman even though I wasn't born that way and my name is Lisa. In one way a big thing, of course, but in another way a small thing, and also I don't want to make something big out of this.
It feels natural for me to close down this profile shortly. I have created a new one here: (link removed) and just add me if you still want to be my Facebook friend (something I hope you do)."
I didn't get any negative responses at all, actually, but many very nice messages of support. I actually keep some of the messages I got on my desk, it's just a feel-good thing to look at every now and then (I don't read it over and over but occasionally my eyes glance at it and then I cannot help but smile - messages translated from a variety of languages to English):
"Hey! You are strong and it's good that you tell me, I don't care and accept who you want to be! Your knowledge is the same regardless.
Hug!"
"I was delighted to read this. Why was I happy? Because I think this is good for you. And because I hear something from you. And because you tell us, Håkan and I. I want to be your friend! I hope I get to meet the new you!"
"A rose by any other name
"
"Thanks for telling me! Of course, nothing changes for me. You are who you are to me, whatever. The most important thing is that you feel that you can be who you are and feel good."
"Hi Lisa, I've added you as a friend. What gender you are means nothing to me as it is you as a person and friend who matters and I wish you good luck in the future."
"I admire your interest and knowledge and hope you don't shut down your "old" Facebook Account as there is lots of invaluable information. Live well and you are always welcome to visit. With kind regards"
"Heia
this I respect lots
I think you are the same whether you are him or her
big hug from me"
over de gemiddelde wachttijd en een verwijzing naar een opmerking over een binder die ik al eens had genoemd in zijn bijzijn, maar een minuutje later steekt de vriend ineens z'n hand naar me uit. 
"