Partnership in transsexualism. Part II. The nature of the partnership

Thirty-five partners were identified in a group of 72 transsexuals. Six male-to-female transsexuals continued to live with their marriage partner, but the remainder of the total group cohabited with a member of the same biological sex. Two of the female-to-male transsexuals had undergone a marriage ceremony with their present partner, but the remainder had not. In most cases the social class of the partner was the same as that of the transsexual. In one case two transsexuals were living together, and this case and three others out of a total of six who were interviewed are described in more detail. The partnerships described support the view that transsexualism is best regarded as an overvalued idea which may be accepted or shared by a partner. The extent to which the idea is shared is related to the bond of affection between the partners, the pattern of dominance between them, and the sexual needs of the partner.