What, if any, is your level of familiarity with the transgendered community?

I don't think I know anyone that is transgendered, and I am very clueless about the whole subject. I'm so clueless that I'm afraid I might offend someone with my questions that I wish to ask, because I am equally curious and clueless.

I've tried researching this but I get easily frustrated because I find info that I don't fully comprehend because I've missed some key bit of info.

My father came out to my mother and I as transgendered in the past few months. (I'll continue referring to my dad as "him" for now, at his request) Unlike many similar situations I've heard about, their marriage didn't fall apart; amazingly, it became stronger. She's decided to stay with him (eventually her), even though it means that their marriage and sex life will eventually become lesbian. She's a preacher's daughter, so it's hard for her, but she shocked my dad when she didn't throw him out. He was terrified that he'd lose my mom: she's the center of his world. We're doing everything we can to help him, but it's hard having to hide it from my 12 year old sister for now, and from the rest of the extended family. His family has already cast out his cousin and her lover; if my grandparents find out, he may never see them again. He's starting hormone treatments next week, but even if we could afford it, he can't fully transition until he retires, or he'll lose his job.

We love my dad, and are happy that he doesn't have to deal with this alone any more, but some days its harder than others to deal with it. It's part of the reason I dropped off the map for a while. I'm embarrassed to say that my most recent review (first book review) was late because I got so caught up in life.

After my recent forum post asking for assistance in writing reviews involving my transgendered partner, I wondered how many Eden participants actually know a transgendered person - and if so, how.

This is something that is part of my daily life, but something I didn't really know much about until I joined Eden. Through Eden I found people of all types of genders online, which allowed me to meet my current partner. { Who is fabulous - thanks for asking. }

I realize many people have many different definitions of what "transgendered" means. I am just asking you to vote based on YOUR definition.

Answers are private so as to encourage honesty. I am not going to get my feelings hurt if a whole lot of people say they don't know a transgendered person.

I agree with SL&P, you really need to go do a little research Mr. P Spot. I know you were trying to be helpful and all, but in your ignorance you said some very hurtful and offensive things.

On another note, I just wanted to tell you all that this weekend, my dad told his parents that he's transgendered. They took it really well, especially given their very conservative background, so we're all happy and relieved. We haven't yet told them that he has started the transition from man to woman; we're taking baby steps, letting them get used to the idea, before we dump everything on them. It would crush my dad to lose his parents; we were afraid we'd never be able to tell them at all. So basically, I wanted to let you all know that things are going really, really well so far. If his parents from the deep south can learn to accept a transgendered child, then there's hope that the rest of the world may someday, too. ^__^

I live in a place, where there are not very many transgendered people. (I' have not seen one up close...)

If I saw one, I would treat them how they deserve to be treated. How they want to be treated, and that is like any other person. If a man wants to be a women, so be it, good for him/her. Its none of my business really.

If you gotta dream follow it.

I am the wive of a transwoman. We have been married for less than a year and recently my partner has conveyed her desire to transition to living as a female.

I have to say it will be interesting to go from being outwardly heterosexual to being viewed as a lesbian by others. But luckily I am bisexual and so I have no issues and have begun to embrace being a "new lesbian" and enjoy now referring to my husband as my wife. Of course those around me aren't finding it as easy.

One book I just started reading is "She's Not the Man I Married" by Helen Boyd, I haven't gotten through it enough to give a good review, but it is helping me to process the change.

I'm not sure if i qualify. I'm gender fluid. don't think you have to be either "male" or 'female" there's a bunch of stuff in between too!

i do identify as more male than anything but i don't have any desire to have surgery or transition legally because, to me, gender is psychological and there's no reason a guy can't have a clit. but like i said, it's fluid and changing- never set in stone. hope that made sense! ^_^