Comments | gsa_lj: My child is trans, help!

jacksmom53 in gsa_lj

My child is trans, help!

Apr 21, 2009 15:31

I apologize for this post if any find it offensive or ignorant. I was referred here by my sister, who told me that livejournal had many good communities for this kinds of issues ( Read more... )

trans, parents, youth, support, love, advice, teenage sexuality, transition, family

Comments 71

a_tergo_lupi April 22 2009, 03:43:29 UTC

I'm just going to sit here quietly and hope for you.

rumorsofwar April 22 2009, 04:12:20 UTC

I may get some flak for this, but it may not be best for your son to undergo any forms of irreversible treatment at this point. I think your first obligation to him is to his health and it may not be medically safe to do so (I don't pretend to know whether this is true or not). I would consult with as many doctors as humanly possible about this, both in and out of the "transgendered field". It might also be the case where it's best to undergo certain procedures now and others later in life. Getting as many opinions from a wide range of professionals can only help you make the best decision. I would be wary of any doctor who either outright condemns it or completely throws caution to the wind and is ready to prep for surgery that afternoon ( ... )

wanda505 April 27 2009, 02:43:49 UTC

It's actually not legal to do irreversible stuff that young. My best friend could tell you more, as he is trans, but what I've heard from him is that there's all sorts of rules about being a certain age and having had a certain amount of work with a counselor before they'll let you do hormones (or anything else).

rumorsofwar April 27 2009, 02:50:31 UTC

That makes sense. As much as I support the decision to make the change, I don't think that a person who doesn't have the mental faculties to vote, live alone, have consensual sex, or drive a car should be given that much responsibility over a single choice that would fundamentally affect them for the rest of their lives.

ironmysandwich April 22 2009, 04:24:51 UTC

Thank you so much for being such a supportive and wonderful parent. Having parents like you and your husband can make all the difference in a young trans person's life.

You got a lot of great responses already. Between your obvious devotion to your son (even your screenname!) and all the advise you're receiving, I have no doubt that you will be able to do right by Jack.

I am ftm and I have an older sister who is mtf. Although we were out of high school, we both started transitioning pretty young and our mother is super in to it. If you ever need another mother to talk to, someone else who's "been there," I can give you her email address. She loves talking with other parents of trans children and would be honored to meet someone as supportive as you.

Best of luck to you and give Jack a high-five from me for his courage to be himself at such a young age.

agent_alpo April 22 2009, 04:32:08 UTC

Oh, another thing I thought of that I don't think I've seen anyone else suggest is see if you have a local PFLAG chapter. PFLAG stands for Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, but I know my local chapter doesn't limit just to lesbians and gays, and includes family and friends of bisexuals, transgender people and everyone else in the LGBTetc. rainbow. You might find another parent in that organization who has experienced what you're experiencing.

tko_ak April 22 2009, 04:36:09 UTC

Firstly, kudos for being so supportive, loving, and understanding. You and your husband deserve a lot of credit for that. He's lucky to have you as parents ( ... )