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My Husband came out as Gender Non-Conforming

User Profile: TheKrikkitWars42
TheKrikkitWars42 February 27th, 2021

I have considered myself an ally for my whole life. My husband of five years, and whom I have two kids with, a two-year-old and a 2-month-old, has just told me he (I asked him on his pronouns and he wants them to remain he/him for now) told me he is gender non-conforming. We had a long conversation about what that meant for him. I told him I am not angry for not telling me, I am angrier at the society who made him feel like he couldn't tell me. Since then I can't believe how much I have been struggling with this. All I want is to be supportive. I have read books and documentaries on exactly this. I thought I would handle this a lot better than I am. I can't help thinking selfishly. This change has been overwhelming for me and I am trying to be honest with him however he told me I am more important to him than his identity and it makes me feel like if I say anything negative he won't feel like he can be his true self. I do not want that. I want him to be who he is. So I am turning to you guys. I would like a place to discuss my feelings first. I want to be supportive of his transition without making him feel uncomfortable in an already uncomfortable journey.

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User Profile: ZenWaters
ZenWaters February 27th, 2021

It sounds like you love your partner and care deeply about him. Your compassion and caring is a gift. Why do you feel that it is selfish for you to also experience feelings about what he has shared with you? Be gentle with yourself. Can you allow those feelings to arise without labeling them good or bad? They may be showing you where you need answers or attention.

User Profile: Sajreria
Sajreria March 1st, 2021

Hi, I hope you've found some support here in the community. You are definitely not alone in this experience, and the fact that you are an ally doesn't invalidate the feelings that you are experiencing about your husband's identity.

Your post made me think of this recent article about a woman whose (then) husband came out as trans - I thought you might find it helpful.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jan/02/from-now-on-i-was-in-an-lgbtq-family-my-husband-came-out-as-trans-while-i-was-on-maternity-leave

Good luck on your journey

@TheKrikkitWars42

User Profile: optimisticDay8079
optimisticDay8079 March 16th, 2021

@TheKrikkitWars42 you're not alone, we're here for you :)