It is so great to see that your mother is so understanding...Like you i was so scared to come out of the closet..except for i am a lesbian...I was frightened about what would happen if i talked about it..i was 16...When i finally got it out it was a relief...The greatest feeling in the world, that now i could be who i really am....I have learned not everyone views it the same and some people in my life were accepting and others not so much...But i just keep the attitude that i need to be who i am and others have the choice to take it or leave it......One of my favorite quotes is "I would rather be hated for what i am, then loved for what i am not."
Good luck in your future, and if you ever need someone to talk things out with i would be glad to help you out.