'My partner/family member is transgender: what now?'

Whatever your thoughts and however you feel, you're not unusual and not alone.

If you'd like to talk, the trans reps can provide a listening ear, and there's also lots of peer support available.

Depend are an organisation supporting people related to transsexual people in the UK: 'If you are struggling we will support you, if you are celebrating we will join you.'They run several closed email lists and have also recently starting providing open general resources.
http://www.depend.org.uk/support.html

Once again, I strongly recommend Livejournal and the general communities listed here. Partners can also consider this LJ community. Parents, families and friends can try PFLAG.

Transactive are excellent for relatives of young transgender people in particular. Big changes in any relationship can cause friction: lots of open and honest communication can be a huge help, as can (if you'd like to) informing yourself as much as possible about transgender issues. This website and the resources suggested here can be a good place to start, in particular the section on 'being an ally.'

Whether or not you are supporting your relative, supporting yourself is vital: please remember that all feelings are valid and to look after yourself, and to seek help if you need it. However you feel, the trans reps are happy to speak with you. Email us on trans@cusu-lbgt.com

Copyright L Demtchenko, 2010. If reproducing elsewhere, please include credit and a link back.