ABSTRACT
Family relationships can be particularly challenging for trans* people. Of all the relationships people have in their adult lives, the people that make up their family of origin or orientation are relationships they do not choose. Gay and lesbian individuals are often ostracized from their family of orientation as soon as they come out, or disclose their identity, and many a youth arrive at homelessness through coming out at an early age. Like gay and lesbian individuals, trans* people face being rejected by family members when they come out. For youth, coming out most likely means dealing with parents who retain legal control over their lives and siblings. While some trans* individuals are in relationships with partners who support them and their transition in a variety of ways, many trans* people do not experience their relationships during transition so positively.
