11 January 2024 , 07:09
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A self-proclaimed 'alpha male' who is dating a transgender woman has hit back at online trolls who criticise their relationship.
Jesse Schwenker, 29, from Florida, was initially looking for a "traditional" love where he could provide for his wife while she stayed at home. However, after meeting Cassidy Cauley, 25, on Instagram, he fell head over heels in love.
Cassidy revealed to Jesse that she was transgender, leaving him with a tough decision - stick to his traditional values or pursue true love. Despite receiving negative comments and even death threats online, Jesse is standing strong with Cassidy. He said: "There is not one word or one sentence that you could possibly put together that would actually hurt me or my girlfriend," and "All of the negative comments are the reason we are such a strong couple today. "
"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. I was simply looking for acceptance and someone who would stick by my side through any life changes. Cassidy had such an interesting and inspiring story, and I became intrigued about getting to know more."
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Jesse with his girlfriend, Cassidy (Jam Press/@jacked_like_jess)
Jesse Schwenker, 29, from Florida, was initially looking for a "traditional" love before finding Cassidy and the meaning of true love (Jam Press/@jacked_like_jess)"I knew the consequences when I started dating her, but everything that has happened has been so worth it. Our main message is that love has no boundaries and anybody can love anyone - it shouldn't matter who they are or their past."
Cassidy, who knew she was a woman at heart from a young age, struggled with trying to deal with her emotions and feelings until the age of 14, when she came across a YouTube video. After hearing about someone else's journey, the 25 year old recalls having a "lightbulb" moment and soon, she began the process.
While she's received hurtful comments online for being her true self, she says her parents have given support each step of the way. But before finding love with Jesse, she struggled in relationships. Cassidy said: "I've had people say to me before that I was leading them on after eventually telling them I was transgender. I just want them to see me for who I really am, rather than basing everything on that."
"I've never had a real relationship before, and most of the guys I dated were only interested in the fantasy of being with someone like me. But when I met Jesse, his messages caught my attention and he made me feel special and so safe. He put me on a pedestal and told me that no matter what, he sees me as a person with a good heart."
Cassidy, who revealed that she was transgender, left Jesse with a tough decision to make – put aside his values or explore true love (Jam Press/@jacked_like_jess)
Cassidy, who knew she was a woman at heart from a young age, struggled with trying to deal with her emotions and feelings until the age of 14 (Jam Press/@jacked_like_jess)After their first meeting in May 2022, they quickly fell in love. However, Jesse's parents and friends didn't share their joy.
Jesse said: "I have a few friends that I lost along the way because they think it's embarrassing to be friends with the person I've become. But this was such a blessing, as they were never true friends in the first place if they weren't happy about seeing me in love."
The couple from Florida, US, decided to share their story on social media to support others in similar situations. Despite receiving negative comments and name-calling online, they remain strong.
Cassidy and Jesse have developed a "thick skin" towards negativity, hoping to inspire others by showing that nothing should stand in the way of love. Cassidy stated: "We are the voice of embracing who you are and I'm sick of seeing people bashed for their sexual preferences. I don't want anybody to go through that anymore and it's time to make a change - earth isn't the same as it was 10 years ago."
Cassidy and Jesse have developed a "thick skin" towards negativity, hoping to inspire others by showing that nothing should stand in the way of love (Jam Press/@jacked_like_jess)"It's time people's thoughts and feelings evolve like everything else. Jesse added: " she added. Jesse chimed in: "We do get discouraged at times, but it's important to discuss how we are feeling. Now, I'm planning on proposing to Cassidy and settling down to have two kids, which we'll adopt.
"We want to be able to create a life together like any other 'normal' family and teach our kids that it doesn't matter who they are, we will still love them. Of course, I want to reconcile with my parents and friends, but I've tried and one day hope they will return my calls. I've found love that I once dreamed about - and who cares if it's not 'traditional' - we're happy and that's all that matters."
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