Transitioning into a woman is a unique experience and one which many people go through each year.
Becoming your true self can be life-affirming and change the way you view your body and the world around you.
It can also make previously simple tasks, such as going out on a date, seem more complicated and daunting. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Transgender women often have to work twice as hard for half the attention when using online dating apps and other dating platforms, making it hard to find someone to date.
Once you do start dating, it can be tough to openly discuss your sexuality and your transition, and many cis-gendered individuals are eager to learn about intimate, private details that you might not be willing to share.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however. There are many ways you can enjoy the dating experience and have a great time meeting new people. Remember, everyone is different, and while no one will have the exact same experience, there are relevant tips that people can share and learn. Here are some practical tips for trans women looking to jump back into dating after their transition.
Source: yesmagazine.org
Contents
Use The Best LGBTQIA+ Dating Sites
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are supportive and will help you to get into the swing of dating post-transition. So, you should try to find inclusive transgender dating sites where you can start your search for a new partner. Datinghive compares trans dating sites throughout the UK, so you can find the ones that suit you and create your new account. This can be one of the most effective ways for you to date, as you will be able to find someone who understands what you’re going through and helps you find a suitable match.
Try Trans Speed Dating Events
If you want to try dating offline, then you could consider signing up for a trans speed dating event in your local area. Small towns might not host niche events like this, but in many large, LGBTQIA+ friendly cities you can usually find an event that will allow you to meet like-minded trans people who want to date. Try out a few to find the one that suits you best. You never know if it works for you until you give it a try. If it ends up not being for you, then you at least will know this now. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Source: time.com
Spend Time At A Gay Bar
Another offline dating technique is to spend time at a gay bar meeting other members of the LGBTQIA+ community in your local area. You can have fun and make new friends while also potentially meeting and mingling with people you might want to see in a more romantic setting. Gay bars aren’t just about sex and dating, but also about having fun, so don’t focus on romance, but instead try to enjoy expressing your true self. You never know; someone might like what they see!
Consider What Type Of Dates You Want To Go On
Dating activities are varied and can include going to see a movie, eating a meal or a fun adventure. The activities you enjoyed before your transition might not seem as fun now, so think about what types of dates you’d enjoy going on. Then, when you eventually get asked out, you will have a list of fun activities to suggest that you will enjoy and that will help you get to know your potential new partner. This can help you get the most ideal date for you and help you understand what you’re even looking for.
Source: allure.com
Be Prepared To Explain A Lot
There are many ways to live a transgender life, and many people, particularly cis-gendered ones, don’t understand trans issues. Also, those who are planning on dating you might be interested to know more about your sexual preferences and anatomy. So, before you start going on dates, you should be prepared to explain where you are in your transition, what the end goal is and what your sexual preferences are. Find a way to share this information that makes you feel comfortable and doesn’t give away any information you’d rather keep to yourself.
While you might be expected to share some information about your transition by some individuals, that doesn’t mean you have to say more than you want to. As a trans person, you still have the right to privacy, even when dating, so before you enter the dating scene, think about how much you’re willing to share and what information you’d like to keep to yourself. Respect your own boundaries and be prepared with an open and honest refusal to give out some information if asked. If someone else won’t, then they’re clearly not the right person for you.
Source: egale.ca
Prioritise Your Safety
Safety when dating is vital for everyone, but it’s particularly important for transwomen. You need to make sure that you’re safe, both in terms of general safety issues such as privacy and also safety issues that are specific to transwomen. Check out these safety tips specifically for the trans community to help you stay safe and feel comfortable as much as possible throughout the dating experience. This is one of the most crucial points in this article, as you need to put your health and safety first. Always make sure you’re telling friends and family you trust where you are going on dates, so that they know where you are, just in case.
Have Fun!
Dating can be great fun, and while there is a lot to think about when you’re dating after your transition, you should try and have fun and enjoy the dating experience as much as you can. That means jumping in and trying new things, meeting new people and trying to connect with them, all while staying safe. This guide should help you to get started on the road towards a meaningful and exhilarating post-transition love life.
