So sad to read about that predicament, which feels very topical to me as two friends have mentioned their trans relatives recently. One, a grandmother, had barely spoken about her grandchild until a group of us were having coffee and the subject came up. We talked about the difficulties and what the grandchild must have been going through, but also the positive fact that this was 2024 when such issues are out in the open and not something to be ashamed of. After the conversation, the grandmother said that she felt much happier about her grandchild; I think she had felt embarrassed and then realised that this wasn't necessary.
Last week I had a drink with another friend, who was telling me about her trans nephew. They (we both have difficulty with using the plural pronoun and wish there were an alternative!) 'came out' on her last visit, if this is the correct terminology and she thanked them for telling her. She then told me of a photograph of them going to a ball, in men's clothing, and said she saw the picture of a happy, confident young person; it would have been very different if she had been wearing a dress.
I think it must be difficult for older generations to come to terms with today's society, and it also depends on general outlook, understanding and acceptance, but as you said, even if the 'problem' is not identical, our response to it can be guided by fictional therapy and Antigone was an inspired choice!
Thanks for sharing those hopeful stories, Nicola! What a testament to the powers of empathy, conversation & bringing things into the open. I'm glad you liked the Antigone choice!
So sad to read about that predicament, which feels very topical to me as two friends have mentioned their trans relatives recently. One, a grandmother, had barely spoken about her grandchild until a group of us were having coffee and the subject came up. We talked about the difficulties and what the grandchild must have been going through, but also the positive fact that this was 2024 when such issues are out in the open and not something to be ashamed of. After the conversation, the grandmother said that she felt much happier about her grandchild; I think she had felt embarrassed and then realised that this wasn't necessary.
Last week I had a drink with another friend, who was telling me about her trans nephew. They (we both have difficulty with using the plural pronoun and wish there were an alternative!) 'came out' on her last visit, if this is the correct terminology and she thanked them for telling her. She then told me of a photograph of them going to a ball, in men's clothing, and said she saw the picture of a happy, confident young person; it would have been very different if she had been wearing a dress.
I think it must be difficult for older generations to come to terms with today's society, and it also depends on general outlook, understanding and acceptance, but as you said, even if the 'problem' is not identical, our response to it can be guided by fictional therapy and Antigone was an inspired choice!
Thanks for sharing those hopeful stories, Nicola! What a testament to the powers of empathy, conversation & bringing things into the open. I'm glad you liked the Antigone choice!