Only if you choose to identify that way. Many Partners of Trans People grapple with questions around their own sexuality and identity when their partner transitions gender. Some women do choose to stay with their trans partner and incorporate their trans partner’s identity into their relationship and family life. They choose to “love the person, not the gender.” They may choose to identify as a lesbian, or as queer. 

For other women, identifying as lesbian or queer is not an option. The gender of their partner is important for their own identity, sexuality and authentic sexual expression. They “love the person and the gender.” Their heterosexuality is innate to them, and they remain attracted to men and chose to continue to identify as straight. This may or may not lead to a separation or divorce from their trans partner. 

Whatever identities the PTP ultimately chooses to adopt or reaffirm for themselves in response to their partner’s transition, it is important to recognize that questions (and even crises) of identity and sexuality are common for the Partners of Trans People. OurPath supports and affirms PTP in exploring and finding the relationship path that most aligns with their own authentic values and identity.