Personal Thoughts
If I Was Leelah’s Mom
Leelah Alcorn is pretty much all I’ve been able to think about for the last few days. My family is all snug at home, enjoying time together during the holiday break and staying inside playing games to escape the bitter cold. But even surrounded by warmth and happiness, my husband and kids, I think about Leelah. I’ve wrestled with various emotions when thinking of her parents. Anger, possibly a little hatred, a lot of pity, and a tiny sliver of understanding. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, to think that they loved Leelah deeply but were overwhelmed and confused, trying to understand but finding it to be a struggle. I didn’t want to...
Read MoreWhat Is Child Abuse: A trans child’s perspective
AJ (7-years old) asked where I was the other night, and I told her I was at a PFLAG fundraiser. She said “That’s the group you are in to help families understand and be happy if they have a kid like me, right?” I told her yes and for some other kids, too. Then she asked, “What if the family never is ok with it? Do you take the kids away and find them a better home?” I said that no one can do that unless a child is being hurt and abused by being hit or not fed or something. Then she said…”Well, technically, they are being abused because they are being hurt on the inside, in their heart, and that would be even worse.”...
Read MoreA Frustrating Thanksgiving
I debated writing this post for a couple of days because of the personal nature, but the continued lack of understanding of transgender issues just isn’t acceptable. On Thanksgiving, AJ said she was thankful for having such a loving family and she said she was happy. But later the same day, she went to a negative, dark place. She said she wasn’t happy and was frustrated. She said she is frustrated and sad because she is transgender. She said she already lost her first best friend because she transitioned, and his mom wasn’t accepting. She said she’s constantly worried that people will find out she’s trans and will reject her for it. At...
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