Mom, Dad, Auntie?

[Donica]

Hi everyone!

I have a small dilemma I have been wondering about over and over again. I started MtF transitioning in June last year and just started my RLE. I am divorced and have two children that are well into their twenties. They are very supportive.

My dilemma is, How should children address me in public? I realize I just need to speak with them and go with whatever they feel comfortable with. I did have this conversation with my son and he was very persistent and prefers to continue calling me dad, in public or private, even though I mentioned that this could be problematic. I forgot to talk with my daughter during your shopping trip yesterday.

So my question is, have any of you had this conversation with your children? And what was to outcome? Mom? Dad?, Aunt Donica? Or, did you come up with something different?

[Rachel]

Hi, my daughter is 21 and unaccepting. She calls me my dead name and Dad. She will not be seen with me in public. I have been on HRT for over 5 years and expressing since Nov 2015.

I would like it if she called me Rachel but at this point I am almost out of her life.

[Donica]

Oh Rachel! I'm so sorry to hear that! That would break my heart. A positive note, she is still young. I can see her changing her views as time goes by. Don't give up on her.