["Family Relations, EarlyView. ", "\nAbstract\n\nObjective\nThis study was conducted to fill a gap in the literature with regard to unique challenges and assets faced within the relationships of transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals with cisgender partners.\n\n\nBackground\nTNB individuals with cisgender partners encounter a variety of stressors and buffers to stress related to the effects of stigma on their relationships. There is a need for the present study to better characterize the unique challenges, assets, and potential phases faced by these couples.\n\n\nMethod\nA total of 19 TNB participants were selected from a larger qualitative study focused on their description of their relationship experiences with a cisgender partner. Grounded theory methodology was used for data analysis.\n\n\nResults\nResults from the grounded theory analysis of the data are provided in a preliminary model and set of associated themes. The emergent model and themes include a process of acceptance of TNB identities by cisgender partners (such as phases of knowledge burial, partial or split acceptance, self‐suppression, and mutual acceptance). The themes also include a number of relationship maintenance strategies used by both TNB and cisgender partners in the relationships.\n\n\nConclusions\nCouples with mixed cisgender and TNB partners in which the TNB partners disclose their gender identities and/or transition after the start of the relationship experience a number of challenges to relationship survival and use various specific strategies to attain positive outcomes for the couples and individuals.\n\n\nImplications\nOur results can illuminate clinical practice for couples and family therapy, inform future research designed to explore the experiences of these couples, and improve knowledge as to how their relationships thrive.\n\n"]