7 Ways To Support Someone In Transition

As someone who has had their fair share of struggles and difficulties navigating the modern dating world as a fully-transitioned MTF, i just wanted to take some time to note down a few ways that you could help support your partner, friend or hookup in transition, and make the whole process smoother, sexier and more enjoyable for everybody involved:

1. Educate Yourself - what may seem like an obvious inclusion at first, i’ve found myself surprised and disappointed time and again at the basic lack of education from significant other or friend about simple transgender issues or struggles, so do both of you a favour and take 5 minutes to learn, for both your sakes.

2. Ask Questions - it does the world of good to feed your curiosity and educate yourself on important things so as not to cause offence to your partner or friend due to basic misinterpretations! Ask about pronouns, feelings, thoughts and preferences - it goes a long way.

3. Allow Yourself To Feel - the entire transition process can affect multiple people especially if you are close to the person involved, so allow yourself to feel and be affected by it and be sure to speak your truth and be open with each other so as to work through anything that needs it.

4. Listen - Again, what could be seen as a basic and obvious inclusion, you would be shocked how simple but effective just listening to your partner can be. Sometimes, they just want to vent, so listen!

5. Make Them Feel Safe/Secure - Transitioning can be a very vulnerable and scary situation, and as a significant other or partner, you are tasked with being the emotional and mental support and safety blanket, so do everything you can no matter how simple to make them feel safe and secure when they need you most.

6. Talk About Sex - Some people think this might be a subject to avoid during transition given the sensitive nature of things, but you would be surprised how much this can help instil confidence in your transitioning partner and reassure them that they aren’t losing the more physical, intimate parts of a relationship or friendship with their transition - confidence is key!

7. Remember: Your Partner’s Identity Doesn’t Define Your Relationship. It’s as simple as that.

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