Trans-ish husband. Sources of support.

[TheSquirrelOfDisappointment]

DH has in the last decade or so increasingly embraced his female side. He wears makeup and stereotypically female clothes often. He goes to trans meet-ups. Meanwhile he and I sleep in different parts of the house and I ponder the fact that I'll probably never have any kind of physical affection ever again (except from the cat). Is there any supportive organization out there for women in this situation? I heard about the Beaumont Foundation but they seem to be primarily by/for trans people themselves.

@Freefall212

Thank you do much for posting that - really insightful and helpful to have such openness in what I find can often get quite aggressive discussions on this topic. We humans are so complicated. The more we can feel like we can express ourselves openly the more likely it seems to me that, if we want to have meaningful relationships based on trust and honesty, we will feel able to attract those who can accept us in all our ways. You're right to point out it's not as clear cut as whether someone is trans or gender dysphoric or not. Humans and labels aren't always helpful...

We are complicated aren't we!

In OPs case, I don't know if her husband actually thinks he is trans or if his lack of acceptance (generally - not by OP) as a man embracing more stereotypically female interests has made him feel he might be trans. He will get a lot of acceptance in the trans world for going outside the stereotypical gender box then he will from the rest of society. That acceptance and inclusion for someone who has felt excluded or rejected can be deceiving and influence how people view themselves. If society accepted that a man can be a man and wear dresses and make-up, then would be need to visit trans groups?

I do think there are some truly dysphoric individuals but from what I see and read, it seems that the majority of those who are exploring being trans are more looking for acceptance and validation and are struggling with identity (who am I and where do I fit in the world and what makes me unique / special / worthwhile) more than true deep gender dysphoria. Finding one's identity and identity confusion (especially as a teen and young adult) is a normal stage of development. Remember the days of punk and emo?! Then it shifted to experimenting with the the labels of gay and lesbian as part of identity - now it seems to have shifted to non binary, bisexual, polyamory and trans. Once that is too mainstream, it will shift again!