It’s an understandable desire for parents to want to rear their kids in their own image. But at some point every parent realizes they can’t control the multidimensional person their child will blossom into becoming. For many parents of gay people, that realization comes via a metaphorical ton of bricks when their child chooses to come out.
But for parents of transgender kids, the signs may start to appear much earlier in development, and that can be especially confusing.
NBC Nightly News is running a fantastic series about trans kids, helping to shatter the stereotypes and stigma surrounding the topic.
Here’s a look at two heartwarming examples of parents truly being their for their kids — acting not on their preconceived notion of a ‘perfect family’ (as if there were really such a thing), but on the true interest of their child.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Or as 8-year-old Malisa Honda puts it, “You should just let your child or friends be who they are.”
Watch the segments below, and have the tissues ready:
AtticusBennett
the heart sings 😀
this is what being a parent is about. and these kids are going to have the freedom to explore and discover who they are, no matter what paths they eventually find themselves on.
LOVE
Jill Robinson
I’ve loved watching this series. Brilliant.
JennyFromdabloc
Is an eight year old mind developed enough to understand being trans?
little Alex
@JennyFromdabloc:
Kids understand gender at a fairly young age. So they do understand what being trans means, as they do about what being gay or straight means.
tinyrabbit
JennyFromdablaoc–
Seriously?
Really?!!!!!!!
When you were eight years old, (seriously?) you really, actually did not know that you were a girl? (No, I mean SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!–No! Be a real human being here.)
Miss Honda–
“You should just let your child or friends be who they are.” Wow! What a deep, profound and beautiful statement. So simple, and yet so profound. How come so many adults can’t get this concept that a child so clearly understands and states with such simplicity and lucidity? Hey girl! You are very pretty and so very sweet. It makes me so happy that you are who you are and that you share yourselve with all humanity.
Love you baby girl!