Yes. For safety and respect of the other person as well.

<u>If you tell and they stay</u>, the fear of it all is gone and the trans person can be who they are without worrying of being "caught." There would be no concern about whether they'd love you if you came out, and they'd know you are incapable of children from the get-go.

<u>If you tell and they don't stay</u>, the trans person dodged a bullet.

<u>If you don't tell and they stay</u>, you live in secrecy every day of your life worried about every little giveaway to your identity. You trap yourself to someone who in private, might physically harm you or even kill you upon finding out. While the "gay panic" defense is bullshit, people who won't take it will WILL attempt to murder a trans person, and this is not a risk worth taking.

<u>If you don't tell and they don't stay</u>, then you again, dodged a bullet.

All in all, it's far better telling anyone you plan to date. Don't have to tell friends, but a lover will find out eventually.