True LGBT Story: Spouse changes gender, couple stays married
Shellie and Randi Ruge, 'We're from Peoria, Ariz.'
By Nathan Manske
Founder and Executive Director, "I'm From Driftwood"
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/04/true-lgbt-story-spouse-changes-gender-couple-stays-married/ (http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/04/true-lgbt-story-spouse-changes-gender-couple-stays-married/)
Shellie and Randi Ruge have been married for more than 13 years. Years into their marriage, their commitment to each other would be put to an unexpected challenge.
"Five years ago, Randi came to me after a trip to Lake Powell. And I knew something was very wrong because Randi was calling me and tearful," Shellie explains, "so she came back and said we have to have a talk and that's when she told me she is transgender."
Nathan Manske
Founder and Executive Director, I'm From Driftwood
True LGBTQ Stories: Would You Stay With Your Spouse If She or He Changed Gender? This Couple Did (VIDEO)
Posted: 05/08/2012 11:58 am
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-manske/true-lgbtq-stories_b_1472408.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-manske/true-lgbtq-stories_b_1472408.html)
Over 13 years ago Shellie and Randi Ruge were set up on a blind date by one of Shellie's 8-year-old piano students. Five weeks later they were married. Recently, their commitment to each other was put to an unexpected test. Shellie explains:
Five years ago Randi came to me after a trip to Lake Powell. And I knew something was very wrong because Randi was calling me and tearful. She came back and said we have to have a talk, and that's when she told me she is transgender.
[...]
The first time Shellie felt comfort after the revelation that Randi was transgender was when she realized that their relationship didn't have to end. Through years of dedication, patience, and commitment, they're still married:
My wife and I have been marred for 32 years. I came out as transgender seven years ago. We are stiill happily married.