Moving Forward: Giving Voice to Partners in a Relationship With Those in Gender Transition

Abstract

ABSTRACT How do partners of those in transition make sense of the possibility that their relationship history may become erased, while racing to embrace their future as an intact couple? This article acknowledges the realities many partners experience as their transgender and/or nonbinary partner transitions, which often evokes feelings of loss and possible grief. By navigating grief, based on Kübler-Ross and Kessler’s book On Grief and Grieving, partners learn to heal the loss of their past and accept their unknown future. The article also focuses on sharing insights into the partner’s journey. This knowledge can help mental health professionals support their clients through the various challenges facing some partners of those in transition as they embark on a successful relationship. The material presented and the recommendations offered are derived from the input of one-to-one interviews and written responses of cisgender partners and workshop participation by multiracial and gender-diverse populations. Partners communicated their personal experiences in hopes of providing additional information to clinicians who serve the transgender population. This article affords an opportunity for therapists and academic scholars to view the transition through the lens of the partner. 1 1 The author claims reservation of all copyrights to all her published and unpublished material. APA 1.15.