When a partner comes out as transsexual, you not only have to deal with shock and disbelief, you also have to go through an education process.
B. says initially, she had a lot to learn. She didn’t know the difference between a cross dresser and a transsexual. Check out the resources listed at the end of this article. Educate yourself as much as you can.
Significant others need support. Some places to get support are:
TransFamily, based in Cleveland, Ohio is a support group for transgendered and transsexual people, their parents, partners, children, other family members, friends, and supportive others. They provide referrals, literature, and over-the-phone information on all transgender issues.
Children Of Lesbians And Gays Everywhere offers support for young people with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender parents.
Femme SOFFA message board is for Femme Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies of FTMS and Transmen.
Transster is a site for transmen and their significant others to post and view images of gender reassignment surgery.
FTM International provides support and information for female-to-male transsexuals.
Gender Education and Advocacy (GEA) is a national organization focused on the needs, issues and concerns of gender variant people.
Books:
Trans Forming Families: Real Stories About Transgendered Loved Ones by Boenke, Mary, Editor. Walter Trook Publishing. (1999).
True Selves: Understanding Transsexualism for Family, Friends, Coworkers and Helping Professionals by Brown, Mildred and Rounsley, Chloe Ann. Jossey-Bass. (1996).
The Phallus Palace: Female to Male Transsexuals by Kotula, Dean. Alyson Books. (2002).
Body Alchemy : Transsexual Portraits by Cameron, Loren. Cleis Press. (1996).
