How They Met
Jesse Schwenker, 29, from Florida, wanted “traditional” love while growing up.
The plumber said he kept searching for someone “right” for his mindset.
Then, he found Cassidy Cauley, 25, on Instagram and felt drawn in.
They messaged back and forth and met one week later.
A Tough Choice
Cassidy later revealed she was transgender, and Jesse faced a decision.
However, he chose to explore love and put aside old ideas.
The pair shared their story to help others in similar relationships.
They say people online have called their relationship “wrong”.
Jesse’s Response
Jesse said hateful comments have only made them stronger as a couple.
He said he will not let insults or threats change his relationship.
“There is not one word or one sentence that you could possibly put together that would actually hurt me or my girlfriend,”
“We didn’t share our story for likes or views – it was to break barriers and be the voice of men like myself who get looked down upon for dating a trans woman.”
Cassidy’s Journey
Meanwhile, Cassidy said she knew she was a woman at heart early on.
At 14, she saw a YouTube video and had a “lightbulb” moment.
Later, she began transitioning and said her parents supported her.
She also said dating was hard before meeting Jesse.
Plans And Pushback
Now, the pair plan to get married and adopt two children.
Jesse said he lost friends and distanced from some family members.
Finally, he said he hopes to reconcile with them one day.