Irene
Unlike the majority of wives and partners I first met my future husband dressed in female clothing.
Prior to this meeting I had never met a transgender person before. I had only seen these people on television and at that time, which was many moons ago, I remember being totally shocked that a women could find such a person attractive.
During our first conversation I learned she took hormones and virtually lived full time as a woman and only possessed male work clothes. I was never one who believed in love at first sight but when you meet someone special you realise it does not matter what they look like only what they are. Several months passed and I knew that I was going to have to tell and introduce my family to this person who I adored. This was not an easy task and I was unsure as to how I was going to approach the subject.
I also knew once I started there was no going back and I did not know how they would react. I decided it is best to start at the beginning so I went ahead and told my two boys and two girls from a previous marriage, together with their respective partners (wives/husbands/children) that I was in a serious relationship with a transgender person and initially I think they were quite taken back. However when they finally met my partner, as he was then, they were a little apprehensive but their meeting went better than I initially thought. The following day we were even invited to my eldest son's home for a meal and drinks, which was a very thoughtful gesture. It has not always been a bed of roses as there have been some difficult times but, gradually over time, they began to see her for the person she was more than the fact that she dressed as a woman, which really bothered them initially. She is now a very well respected member of the family and I am extremely proud of them all for their wonderful support and acceptance of my partner. We were married in 2007 with close friends and my family around. Some of my husbands relations accept him for what he is but unfortunately his brother is in total denial and we are not invited to any of his family celebrations. I recognise my husband has both male and female components and I often refer to him in his male gender.
As a member of Beaumont Partners I would be more than happy to listen, or reply to an email from any wife or partner who has discovered their partner or husband to be transgender and requires support.
Irene
Would you like to join us?
Beaumont Partners is a volunteer organisation, run exclusively by women, for women. We aim to improve the emotional wellbeing of women who are experiencing issues as a result of discovering that their partners are transgender.
If you're a woman with experience of living with someone who's transgender and are willing to share your personal experience to the benefit of others, we'd love to hear from you - why not drop us an email at orchidbp@virginmedia.com
Beaumont Partners
Partners Homepage
About Beaumont Partners
Help & Advice
Partners' Stories
Useful Links
Contact Beaumont Partners