Relationships and Gender Transition
For many people, the biggest challenge when seeking advice about gender change is how to manage existing relationships, particularly when in a long-term relationship, civil partnership or marriage.
Unfortunately the fear of relationships breaking down can delay or even prevent individuals from seeking professional help about their gender issues. This is a great shame as specialist gender services actively promote the view that they wish to see people as early as possible in order to offer support regarding gender change and the associated relationship difficulties.
A breakdown of a relationship can be a shattering experience for anyone, let alone someone dealing with gender dysphoria and facing potentially life-changing decisions. Can long-term relationships survive such massive changes? What are the secrets for sustaining personal relationships? What are the important factors that are likely to protect relationships through the stressful journey? If relationships are to survive and grow, what needs to happen?
Send us all your views, personal experiences and share your wisdom with us all!
Unfortunately the fear of relationships breaking down can delay or even prevent individuals from seeking professional help about their gender issues. This is a great shame as specialist gender services actively promote the view that they wish to see people as early as possible in order to offer support regarding gender change and the associated relationship difficulties.
A breakdown of a relationship can be a shattering experience for anyone, let alone someone dealing with gender dysphoria and facing potentially life-changing decisions. Can long-term relationships survive such massive changes? What are the secrets for sustaining personal relationships? What are the important factors that are likely to protect relationships through the stressful journey? If relationships are to survive and grow, what needs to happen?
Send us all your views, personal experiences and share your wisdom with us all!
posted by Transgender Explored at
1:31 PM
7 Comments:
I am 42, was married at 21 and have 2 children. When I came out to my wife, she was not surprised but we decided to divorce during the RLE. We still remain close and my kids have adjusted really well, thanks to the support of my wife and family.
I don't think that relationships have to end at transition, they need to change and that has to be a joint decision.
I have been with my girlfriend for 7 years. As a transman I was never comfortable being thought of as a lesbian. Although I experimented with women as a "lesbian woman", it never felt right. I have always felt like I was a hetero man. Now that I have transitioned, I feel totally different and my relationship with my girlfriend is the best it has ever been and we are both very happy.
I am a MTF transsexual and have had relationships with both men and women. I had the full op 2 years ago and have had one sexual partner since but most people I meet just want sex and not to settle down.
I was advised not to have a relationship during my RLE. I am now post-op and single :-(
Hi. I have used Facebook to look for love. Most transgender dating sites are either too expensive or leave you feeling like you are a piece of meat. At least with Facebook, you can chat to people and get to know them. Also met some great trans friends too.
I don't see why you can't have a relationship before or after. I met my partner during the RLE and we are still together now. I have had some cosmetic surgery and am waiting for a phalloplasty. My girlfriend is cool about it all and has been to all my appointments with me. We plan to get married next year.
I have seen Dr Sue Carr, a psychiatrist, and she was very helpful and helped me link up with local trans people in Glasgow.
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