As for therapy before surgery, I think this is not a bad suggestion. An unbiased and professional therapist would not try to change who you are, but to see if you can learn to be happy with who you are.
Personally I’m a big fan of breaking down gender norms, and for people to say a big “fuck that” to all the expectations that comes with a specific gender. I know being trans is different, but I can’t help but suspect that in some occasions (not all) feeling like not belonging to a given sex is contingent upon not so much the body itself, but the stupid-ass expectations we place upon a given gender as a society. Breaking down these norms is hard and important work in its own right, and something one could explore with a (serious) therapist before taking it to a surgeon. If it works, you can embrace fully who you are without an intrusive and expensive procedure. If it doesn’t, surgery is still an option. So in my (possibly ignorant) mind, suggesting therapy alone first is not a bad thing, though it can sound like it.
Most importantly, it seems he loves you and supports you unconditionally, and he has made a real solid (and successful) effort to understand as well. So whatever you do, it seems he’ll be there for you even if it requires effort from his side. You have a good father.
That’s awesome.
As for therapy before surgery, I think this is not a bad suggestion. An unbiased and professional therapist would not try to change who you are, but to see if you can learn to be happy with who you are.
Personally I’m a big fan of breaking down gender norms, and for people to say a big “fuck that” to all the expectations that comes with a specific gender. I know being trans is different, but I can’t help but suspect that in some occasions (not all) feeling like not belonging to a given sex is contingent upon not so much the body itself, but the stupid-ass expectations we place upon a given gender as a society. Breaking down these norms is hard and important work in its own right, and something one could explore with a (serious) therapist before taking it to a surgeon. If it works, you can embrace fully who you are without an intrusive and expensive procedure. If it doesn’t, surgery is still an option. So in my (possibly ignorant) mind, suggesting therapy alone first is not a bad thing, though it can sound like it.
Most importantly, it seems he loves you and supports you unconditionally, and he has made a real solid (and successful) effort to understand as well. So whatever you do, it seems he’ll be there for you even if it requires effort from his side. You have a good father.