How to Show Support to a Transgender Family Member
Transgender people feel as though their bodies were born the wrong sex. They feel out of place, awkward and sometimes find their bodies so abhorrent that gender reassignment surgery seems like the only possible choice. If you have a transgender family member, there are ways that you can show your love and support.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Imagine what your family member is going through. Think how difficult it would be to feel out of place and foreign in your own body, day after day. You don't have to have gender issues in order to empathize with a family member who does.
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2
Listen without judgment whenever he wants to talk about his gender identity. You are likely one, out of a few people, that he has to talk with about his emotions openly. Everyone has feelings to express.
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3
Offer suggestions only when asked. Trying to "fix" your family member is a mistake; she isn't "broken." Gender identity is a core belief that one person can't change in another. It's important to listen to her feelings without attempting to change them.
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4
Accept the person without a label. Think, "This is my son and I love him," rather than, "I don't understand why he has gender identity issues." Your son can perceive even unspoken labels as hurtful.
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5
Get support for yourself if you feel overwhelmed. Family members of transgendered people often deal with conflicting emotions. Your emotional well-being is just as important as your family member's.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When a family member "comes out" about being transgendered, remember he's the same person you've always loved. He simply trusts you with more information. Disclosure of a gender identity issue can bring you closer together if you're willing to learn acceptance.
Gender identity is a core part of a person's psyche. Some transgendered people become deeply depressed; even suicidal. If your family member expresses thoughts of self-harm, get immediate professional help.
