Religion
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 MoreTransitioning as a Mormon
Religion and acceptance (or lack thereof) from churches is a big area of controversy for transgender people. The lack of acceptance from church groups and large denominations can lead some to turn away from religion altogether. But others hold onto their faith, and even hope that they or their children will be accepted someday. One such family is featured in a short documentary which has just won the 2014 Utah Short Film of the Year Award. Utah? Yes, Utah. The home of the LDS Church. Eri Hayward and her family are Mormon. Her story is “Transmormon”. The “good parenting” part of this story is in a quote from Eri’s dad near the end of the...
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