Ask Professor Foxy: How Do I Handle A Partner's Possible Transition?

[Butterfly]

Ask Professor Foxy: How Do I Handle A Partner's Possible Transition?
Feministing
Posted by Professor Foxy
12 June, 2010


http://www.feministing.com/archives/021511.html


Dear Professor Foxy,

I'm a cis woman in an amazing relationship with a man who has gender dissonance. Question 1: How can I best support him? I've tried to educate myself on trans issues and cis privilege as best I can, and learn from him. I listen if he wants to talk about things, and gently try to tell him he's not a freak etc. I'm also trying to avoid pressuring him, e.g. sexually and about transitioning (which he's nowhere near making a decision about yet). Otherwise I try to support him by being a nice person. Is there anything I'm missing?

Complicating factor: I'm straight. I assumed otherwise as a teenager, for the dubious reason that I didn't fancy boys (I was on medicine which I later realised killed my sex-drive utterly). I had one brief and unsuccessful fling with a girl, but since coming off the meds I've dated only men, and never examined my sexuality.