My friend recently came out as trans, and separated from his
husband in the process.
I’m a married woman from a pretty traditional Christian background – I’d
have been hesitant forming a close relationship with a man who was single, worried
that he’d become attracted to me. I went through a period of ten years where I
had NO friends (other than a relative or two) and still have very few, so I’m a
bit socially awkward.
He’s okay with being friends with the weird religious couple,
but I know he is cautious around us – naturally, given western history. I want to be
extra careful not to say something harmful. I’d like to know if he is attracted
to women – because that might affect the frequency I hug him, or have
emotionally intimate heart-to-hearts – but this is way less important to me
than his comfort. I’ll be fine without the knowledge.
Is this something that you can ask someone? Is there a polite
way to do so? Are there reasons it might be less appropriate to ask someone who
is trans about sexual orientation, and should I do anything differently because
of that? Do these sort of concerns sound offensive to people who didn’t have my
upbringing?
kiragecko 