Family having a hard time with acceptance....

[Rad]

Hi People,

I'm sure there have got to be other trannys out there struggling with their families. Families that don't understand you, or deny who you really are...

Does anyone have any suggestions or experiences they would like to share? I don't need to be told to be patient and to give them time etc.... been there done that.

Any other advice or stories would be welcome!

Thanks.

[Christine]

I could recommend a good book for them to read, assuming they would be willing to read it.

True Selves
Mildred L. brown & Chloe Ann Rounsley
ISBN 978-0-7879-6702-4
www.josseybass.com

This book was written for families, friends, coworkers, and helping professionals.

[Chico]

Little Sisters Book store does have some good books too. One in specific might be "Transforming Families".

Do you have an allies in your family, or anyone close to you who is supportive of your transition?

[Renee Ansel]

If immediately family isn't supportive find your support elsewhere and move on.....It's your evolution....

[Poe Liberado]

Hey Rad,
My family hit the roof when I came out. I decided to no longer be held hostage by my mothers 'broken heart', so I found family elsewhere. After a year, she is dealing with it. It's not the same as give them time or be patient. I say drop your bomb, let them deal, and shit will work out. Either they will come to terms with who you are, or you will find people who will. I did try to address my mother's concerns though, but it came down to being embarrassed by me, so screw that. She still refers to me by my given name and female pronouns, but she's not on me to get married anytime soon (I'm Indian and 24, baby steps).

I suggest you think ahead of time how much you are able to deal with and set your limits. For me, I let the name and pronouns slide (I identify as whoever I identify and don't need anyone to reaffirm that- that's just me), but I would leave when she would refer to my trans ex-partner by the wrong pronoun purposely.

This is the best advise I have been given: REMEMBER- guilt is a tool of manipulation.

I send you good vibrations :D
poe