Reaching for Hope: Strategies and support for the partners of transgender people

by Suzanne DeWitt Hall, Declan DeWitt Hall, Fox Fisher (Foreword)

Can relationships survive when one partner comes out as transgender?

For many couples it isn’t easy. Adjusting to new realities which present themselves takes time, patience, education, and soul searching. The process can feel scary and isolating. Reaching for Hope offers companionship for the journey in the form of reassurance, support, and strategies, all delivered in bite-sized nuggets, so you won’t feel overwhelmed by information.

Can your relationship survive? That remains to be seen. But this book offers help, if you’re willing to try.

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2021

About the author

Suzanne DeWitt Hall (she/they) is the author of The Language of Bodies (Woodhall Press, October 2022), which Wally Lamb called "...a film noir between covers—dark, tense, and sexy."

She also penned the Where True Love Is devotionals, the Living in Hope series which supports the family and friends of transgender people, The Path of Unlearning faith deconstruction books, and the Rumplepimple adventures.

Suzanne lives with her transgender husband, two terriers, and a cat named Chicken. Her work is designed to shine the light of love into hearts darkened by discrimination and fear. You can learn more at www.sdewitthall.com

Reviews

[Jeff Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the pastor of an 2SLGBTQIA+ church, I was given an advanced copy of Reaching for Hope to read and I was completely blown away! Suzanne DeWitt Hall does such a great job outlining many of the issues that come up between trans people and their loved ones, and answers so many questions, removing the emotional burden of education from trans people and allowing their loved ones to educate themselves. This is such an important resource for anyone with a transgender spouse, but also for anyone seeking to better understand the trans experience. I highly recommend this book and will be giving it out to partners of trans people in my church.

Rev. Jeff Baker

[G.M. Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, though short, is an invaluable resource for both the partners of trans individuals and themselves. I am trans/NB and my partner is Cis. I read this book to glean more understanding about what they went through during the early days of my transition.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book directly address the pain and confusion people experience when they find out their beloved is trans. If you're dating, considering dating, married to, or in a partnership with a transgender person this books is for you. I would also highly recommend it to family members of transgender people. The more we talk about the transgender experience and life the more we understand. After reading this book I believe it has the capacity to heal relationships and start much needed conversations. Transitioning can be complicated and must be moved into with compassion and openness. This book initiates these conversations. Buy it, read it, share it.

[Rev Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so glad to received an advanced copy of this book! We often wish humans came with a manual. They don’t. But imagine how much more enriching our relationships could be. I have an adult transgender son and I pastor transgender people; This book is practical, transparent and groundbreaking. Suzanne has written from the pulpit of the pen and provided a way to envision healthy intimate relationships which encompass the full diversity and authenticity of each partner. Readers will grow from her insights and collections of advice as they are a balm in a Gilead of challenging circumstances. Thank you for this writing. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Reverend Dawn Bennett
Pastor, The Table
Nashville, TN

[Jennifer A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my spouse divulged to me that they were trans, I went through a rollercoaster of emotions over days, then weeks, then months...I felt things like fear, despair, curiosity, anger, hopefullness...and those feelings could coexist also. I sought professional help, as did my spouse. However, I came away still feeling unseen. How could they know what I was going through? Then I found this book...and it became the friend who understood. This book very likely saved my marriage. It allowed me to feel like at least one other person out there could truly relate to and shed light on all the emotions I was feeling while leaving me validated and comforted. If it could save my marriage, what beautiful things might it hold for you?