Wives of transgenders support groups

[helderheid]

I just found out someone close to me is a transgender and his wife of 23 years is looking for a support group - can anyone here help me out with links?

[Katherine Brengle]

1. I'm sorry, I don't know of any, but I am proud of your friend for

standing by the one she loves.

My best friend of nine years is in a relationship with a transgendered person, and I have seen how difficult it can be. I applaud anyone who remains open and supportive through this experience.

[helderheid]

3. Thank you - this is closer than I can reveal

All I can say is this is very close to me and I am heartbroken for all involved as this is a very difficult situation for everyone involved and we all want happiness for all of us.

Thanks again

[Katherine Brengle]

11. no need to get specific--just be supportive and give of your strength

and compassion, and everything will turn out as it should be.

Good luck (and good night, lol).

[babylonsister]

2. Ah, another curveball, meant in the nicest way. Have you tried GLBT

also? :hi:

ttp://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=221

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=221

[helderheid]

4. I'll check it out - thanks!

[Morning Dew]

5. try pflag -

http://www.youth-guard.org/pflag-tnet/booklet.html#resources

[debyoutaunt]

7. Oh!

Just saw yours--WE'RE on the same page!

[Morning Dew]

9. only a minute apart

welcome to DU !

[debyoutaunt]

6. Try Parents and Friends of Lesbians, Gays, Transgender etc.

"Located in and representing communities nationwide, PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons."


http://www.pflag.org/

[FranMonet]

8. gender talk resource page

You might try the gender talk resource page is has a lot or resources for transgendered and their spouses. here is a link

http://www.gendertalk.com/info/resource.shtml

[pnwmom]

10. Try the Straight Spouse Support Network

http://www.ssnetwk.org/

This is an organization that helps spouses of gays and transgenders through the coming out process. This wife of 23 years (and any children) need support through this process just as much as the transgender person does -- because, in their own way, they are all being "outed" too -- but not on their schedule, and probably unwillingly.

The woman who started the organization, Amity Pierce Buxton, also wrote a book called "The other Side of the Closet: The coming out crisis for straight spouses."

While the transgender person is probably feeling a great deal of relief and perhaps even exhilaration (having finally made the decision), other family members are probably reeling from the shock. And other people may be inadvertantly adding to the stress, for example, by prematurely applauding the wife for "standing by" her husband. She may decide this is not a marriage she can remain in. No one should be pressuring her or making any judgments for or about her, one way or another.

And if there are children, there will be a whole set of other issues. This is a very sad, stressful situation right now, but there are people around to help you get through it. I wish you the best!

[helderheid]

12. welcome to DU and thank you so much for the link

We are all reeling. I'm not sure how the marriage will continue, or if it will. Thanks again (and EVERYONE here who responded, thank you - I have been doing google searches - finding support for the spouses has been a tricky search but I came up with a few links (a couple that were mentioned here) and there are a few here I didn't find on my own - I am very grateful for all the help!

[cap]

13. be careful about letting your workplace know

a friend of my husband's had the same experience you do and the firm fired her.

[helderheid]

14. Well, it isn't me and I don't work so I'm safe but thank you!