How is it different with dating a transgender person? As a matter of fact, dating a transgender person is just like regular dating. As a person who actually dated a transgender person, I can guarantee you that there is no difference in essence between transgender dating and cisgender dating. Of course, if you want to magnify the details, there are some minor differences. However, this varies from person to person. For example, let’s assume you want to date a transgender female. When talked about what kind of man she likes, what sexual preference she has, what she is interested in doing in life and her worldview, all these might vary from individuals. You can’t take everything in granted.
However, in transgender community, some things are common for everyone. Before you initiate a trans dating, you should get familiar with these rules:
Start with the basic knowledge of them. One thing would make you unwelcomed by transgender people is that they have to explain everything to you because you don’t educate yourself at the beginning. Therefore, take a few minutes to google as much as anything you are interested. You might think you know what is a transgender woman, but if all of your knowledge comes from public media, then you don’t know then at all and you even haven’t realized it. This is natural. We don’t know what we do not know. It’s not your fault, but your ignorance might hurt people. To cut down the damage and to smooth your dating experience, educate yourself first. That does not include watching adult movie or even news.
Therefore, go to google and Wikipedia and get to know some medical information about transgender people. Most transgender people do not have interested in educate others. They want to please you and be pleased, but not for a rap session.
Try to focus your attention on those objective and non-political resources. We cannot know everything, but we cannot be ignorance.
Ask your date what is comfortable and respect them. This rule applies for both cisgender people and transgender people. Of course, when it comes to transgender people, don’t make assumption about what is important and what is not. If you have any questions, do ask. Ask them which pronouns they prefer to be referred to. When you make body contact, make sure they feel comfortable with it.
Most transgender people have anxiety. This means they don’t feel comfortable about certain parts of their body. These parts are usually their sexual characters. It does not only mean they don’t like these parts. They feel strange about them. The trigger for such anxiety varies from individuals.
For people who don’t have such anxiety, you may feel difficult to comprehend. However, if you are dating a transgender person and there is a certain part of hers is considered as a taboo, respect that, even if you cannot understand. You can do so many other things or you can simply not date them.
Holding hands is the easiest part. When you come closer, make sure your partner feels comfortable with what you are going to do.