For the last several months, through my anger, grief and despair, in the midst of an ongoing pandemic and the (sometimes slow, sometimes fast) collapse of the world as we have come to know it, I’ve been doing what I know to do: use what I have to make a difference where I can. For me, what I have is a love of writing and learning, a passion for supporting relationships of all kinds, and a commitment to our collective liberation, particularly around gender and sexuality. When transgender people once again became the target of hateful legislation across the country, legislation that’s part of a larger campaign to dehumanize LGBTQ+ people, as well as Black, indigenous and other people of color, I became even more focused on using my knowledge and skills to support trans people and their loved ones. The best way I can do that is through loving the transgender people in my life and by supporting partners of transgender, non-binary and gender-questioning people.
The result of putting my head down and focusing on this project of love and liberation is my new ebook called Empowered Partners: A Guide for Partners of Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender-Questioning People. Drawing together the content I’ve shared in my online course of the same name, Empowered Partners is designed to stand alone as a resource or to be shared in community through the Empowered Partners online course.
In the ebook, I invite partners of transgender, non-binary and gender-questioning people to explore their conditioning into the gender binary, consider new models of gender and sexuality, and discover what’s authentic to them. I also provide practical information about gender transition and some things to expect. Since the changes associated with gender transition can be challenging for some relationships, much of the book draws on my experience supporting people in building the relationship skills necessary to navigate change and conflict and improve connection. In addition to the reflection questions that accompany each chapter, I’ve created a 30 page PDF of handouts and worksheets designed to help readers dive deeper into the concepts and tools offered in the ebook. Empowered Partners: A Guide for Partners of Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender-Questioning People is now available for pre-order.
I’m grateful for the clarity of purpose this work brings me, as well as the sense of connection I feel when I facilitate online courses or hear from people who’ve been impacted by my work. Whatever your gifts, whatever your passions, however your commitments to love and liberation manifest, I hope you find a way to use what you have to make a difference where you can. The world needs us, and we always need each other.
Take good care,
Heather