Almost exactly two years ago I held a birthday party for a very good friend of mine. I didn't know a single person that he wanted me to invite, which was kind of fun and exciting for me.
Well one of the 'couples' that came seemed ok on the outside, but I knew the husband wasn't happy. I don't know what gave me this impression but I just had a gut feeling. I asked my good friend (who's birthday it was) occasionally to see how the husband was, and one day he told me that the husband has admitted to being TS. Of course he pulled me aside to tell me afraid of how I would react. My first though was, that is why he was unhappy! Of course on the outside I was laughing, but not because of the TS, but because I had known something wasn't right.
When I found out the husband, whom I will call George, I immediately told my friend to tell George to contact me because I would like to know him and offer my help and friendship. It was then that my friendship started with who I had known as George.
It started off with simple questions from me, which he answered happily. I got to know a bit more about TS and what was going on - by researching the internet and discussing it with him. During this time he began HRT and the transition was set in motion.
Over the next little while George came out at work and found that he was supported 100% by his boss and the corporation. He spent a lot of time worrying about this, and I told him he might be surprised.
During the next little while HRT started creating changes in George, however I found it rather hard to see George as female yet, he was kind of in that 'gray' area. I think George to offence to the fact that I couldn't fully call him a her, etc. I felt so bad, but I found my mind needed to accept the transition.
I spent a lot of time with George, going shopping doing girl things. We found we could confide in each other the personal details of our life without judgement. I'm not sure what sparked it, but I now fully see my friend as a female and refer to her and her/she.
I have tried to show my support as much as I can, but sometimes I feel like I stick my foot in my mouth. I think she understands and knows that I mean well.
I have since investigated even more about TS issues - for MTF and FTM - and find the whole thing fascinating.
Growing up I felt like an outcast because I found I was attracted to both girls and boys. Of course I couldn't admit this to anyone but close friends. My first real sexual encounter was with my best friend, a female, and it wasn't until years later that I had sex with a male. I'm not saying I know what it must be like, but I know how it feels to be looked at as being different and outcasted from some groups.
So that is my experience - not sure if this may help or not but thought I would put it out there.
Megan
