Support
Everyone in my immediate family knows that Anna may transition, and that I support her in it and want to "make a go" of it. Everyone is supportive. My stepmother made the most negative comment yet, which was "we just want to make sure you are doing what is best for you and makes you happy." I know, positively dreadful, yes? [sarcasm again] My
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My parents were pretty ignorant initially and had to overcome some stereotypes, but they're very supportive now and they really like Melanie. My dad has watched anything he can get his hands on about trans issues (he would probably read everything he could get his hands on, too, but he's dyslexic and it takes him about three times as long to read things as most people). He's become an advocate-- pretty good for some middle-aged working-class white guy living in Metro Detroit. ;)
As for Melanie's family-- her immediate family wouldn't be willing to watch a documentary and would throw away anything we gave them to read because it wasn't written from a "Christian" perspective. They disregard the APA and think that being trans is "an advanced form of homosexuality" and "homosexuality is a disease". In their view, the APA values scientific research over (their interpretation of) the Bible, and thus is to be ignored. Not shocking when you consider that they also think the earth is 6,000 years old... The tentative "truce" we have with Melanie's mom and sister seems to hinge on us not bringing up the trans thing at all. Her mom has actually told her she doesn't want to know... sigh...
You're really, really lucky with your family! How's Anna's family doing with this? Has she told them?
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Anna's family doesn't know yet, except her brother who only knows she "cross dresses" and MIGHT have an idea of why. I honestly think they will be ok eventually, but I hesitate to encourage her to tell them because if they arent ok I would feel terrible! They are mercifully free of any sort of organized religion (I wanted to say thank God, but I didnt want to offend anyone with my atheistic blasphemy!), so that should help.
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Not all of us religious folks are bad. I'm Reform Jewish, and my branch of Judaism actually has a blessing for trans people to recite when they transition! (Composed by a rabbi who happens to be a trans man, no less.)
As for atheists, I apply the same standard I do to everyone else: what matters is if you're a good person, and as for personal beliefs, I don't care unless you proselytize. ;)
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