So, I’m going to be the best man in my friend’s wedding. I’m very flattered to have the honor. He’s one of my closest friends, and I have no problem supporting him as his best man/best trans.
Furthermore, I’m out to him, and he has made it clear that he wants me to show up in whatever way makes me the most comfortable. I’ve picked out a dress, started taking voice lessons, and plan on getting my hair and makeup done professionally.
I don’t feel dysphoric at all about filling a traditionally male role, but…
How the fuck do I write a speech? A lot of best men seem to give speeches that joke about their ‘bromance’ with the groom and all that, which I find to be wholly inappropriate in my scenario.
My first thought was poking fun at picking a woman for best man, but some of his family are transphobic and I don’t want to rely on gender humor out of fear that they stew in their transphobia and say something to ruin his wedding. Then I thought maybe I could crack a joke or two about being trans - but I also don’t want to lean into the self-deprecation so much that I validate anyone’s transphobia.
So, how do I even approach this?
I was thinking I could open with, “When the groom asked me to be his best man, I said, ‘sit down, there’s something you should know.’”
Maybe I’m overthinking it, but this is a friend who has been there for me in the past. I want to fill my role in his wedding perfectly. Any advice is welcome and appreciated.
And if you do want to bring out a good quality in your friend while also addressing you being trans, you’ve already shared a beautiful anecdote with the post.
Something along the lines of:
When your friend’s bestman became their bestwoman, they didn’t go ask someone else to take on the job - they were supportive and understanding and told you all they wanted for you was to be comfortable and still make a speech.
That’s true love. They care about what’s on the inside, not the outside. And you being there giving the speech is proof of that.
And it goes without saying that the bride is exceptionally beautiful but, knowing your friend, bride is even more beautiful on the inside.