Reply To: Bringing your S/O along for the ride

[Maxine Doos]

Hi Seraphina,

Thanks for your post.

To answer the second (and easier) part first: Yes, dysphoria has incerased since coming out and the more people  I come out to, the more it increases. Whether this is a natural phenomenon or due to increased confidence because the reactions so far have been less severe than anticipated, I cannot say.

On the more complex issue of your SO I can speak from personal experience that a supportive (and even encouraging) SO when you are ONLY a CD does not automatically, nor even necessarily, evolve into a supportive SO once transition is on the table.

Small gradual steps, include her in each, encourage her to express her opinion and monitor any changes in her support. Something that is often overlooked when it comes to SOs is that “accepting” is not the same as “supportive”.

I wish you luck and happiness wherever your journey takes you.

Hugs,

Maxine