Dear Abby: Acceptance eludes woman, transgender love

[Shana A]

Dear Abby: Acceptance eludes woman, transgender love
April 09, 2014 3:00 am

http://herald-review.com/news/opinion/editorial/columnists/dear_abby/dear-abby-acceptance-eludes-woman-transgender-love/article_f9a37618-e1fd-5849-9108-fb7fd2ad0f77.html?utm_content=buffer98f7f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Dear Abby: I'm a divorced woman with grown children. I have always supported gay rights and thought of myself as straight. But a few months ago, I met a woman, "Stephanie."

We hit it off immediately, and I was shocked to learn she's a transgender woman who was born male. We have spent a lot of time together and are falling in love. Stephanie will be having surgery soon to complete the transgender process.

I have been surprised and disappointed by the lack of support from my family and friends, whom I always thought were open-minded. Some have voiced support, but have shown no interest in meeting her and seem uncomfortable hearing about her.

I'm excited about this relationship and would have thought my family and friends would be happy for me, as I have been alone for a long time. But now I find myself refraining from mentioning Stephanie in conversation.