trans·par·ent: tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt
a : free from pretense or deceit
b : easily detected or seen through
c : readily understood
d : characterized by visibility or accessibility of information
Transparenthood™ was a long time in coming, something I have wanted to do since we began our search for answers back in 2004 and found very little good information about transgender children (or gender variant children, which is the more common name used by the medical community). What I uncovered back then terrified me and proved less than accurate to be kind, or flat out wrong if I were to be completely candid. It was at that point that I knew I needed to capture what we have learned to make things easier for others someday. Fast forward seven years, throw in an unexpected retirement from a 21-year corporate career and the accumulation of what already feels like a lifetime of experiences, and the time was finally right for me to share our story.
I am the mom of a transgender child. Put in the most simple of terms Sam’s mind and biology do not match. Sam was born female but has identified as being male since he could speak and is now living his life as one. It is my hope that in sharing our uncommon journey through this blog, it will help families in the same situation find solace, and for society at large to discover acceptance for people who really are just like you and me.
You are off and running with a great start. I look forward to your next blogs and am proud to be a member of your family!
Beautifully written blog. You are doing a wonderful service to the world by providing an open and informative resource to so may people in similar situations. Thank you and keep up the posts!
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to reading more and being educated.
I love the way you write. What a wonderful way to honor your son and to bring more of the public to the, although unusual, normal life that Sam otherwise lives. Why is the sexual orientation so important to everyone, and why be judged on it? Sam is fortunate to have great parents who let him be who he is.
We have a young girl (born a boy) at our church who has a wonderful family too that let her be who she was born to be. It has been an amazing transformation from a really unhappy little boy to a bouncing, smiling little girl. One would never know that she was born a boy.
Thanks for sharing your story with the rest of us, and I look forward to reading more!
I’m glad to read your blog, My son is a “girly” boy and my daughter is so far (she is only almost two) a prissy tomboy so it’s nice to read about children who don’t fit the mold
Thank you for writing about your son. My oldest son is gay, and it has been a walk that has led us to many loving friends. I wish you the same on your journey.
I have to confess, I have become somewhat of a mother bear.
By the way, you may already be acquainted, but PFLAG has been a wonderful place for us to just “be”. I always say that PFLAG kids are all Lake Wobegone kids–above average in every way. I believe that.
Here’s to a new world, where our kids are loved and embraced as God intended.
Janelle Holmvig
Thank you so much for this website. Within the last week I learned my child is female trapped in a male body. It hurts so much to know she has lived in silence and depression for 5 years. I am very open and understanding feeling every person should live the life they way they need to be happy and comfortable. I am a worrier so my fears are huge: all are related to safety (we live in a state that is not understanding), relationships, jobs. That is why I am so grateful for this website and others like it. I have been reading websites since the day I found out to ensure I can help guide and support my child and to come to terms with my fears for her. I am amazed at how much this has changed my outlook on life: for the better. I can only hope her father will be as quick to understand when she gives the approval to let him know.
I have a transgender male to female 7 yr old !! It has been so lonely and finding this blog has helped knowing that we are not alone. April is so happy since she has transitioned!!..thanks ..looking forward to the next one
This is an amazing blog for parents of kids like me. I’m finally ready to really come out and tell my parents how I feel, so I was looking for someone or something to show them they aren’t alone. It wont be easy for their 16 year old “girl” to tell them im a guy inside. I’m definitely showing them this blog. I think it will help so much. Thank you for being so brave and tell Sam good luck for me. He’s amazing for letting his story be shared.
~Ian
Thanks for your kind post Ian – my best to you as you come out to your family. If I can be of help to them or you please don’t hesitate to email me! leslie@transparenthood.net
Leslie, I had no idea this was YOU! I have posted links to your blog on my Facebook page and referred people to it before for good reading on raising gender non-conforming kids. Little did I realize, I knew the parent behind the curtain, so to speak!
Bravo on such a brave and inspiring blog. I thought you were a pretty dynamic lady when I first met you at Chipotle last fall, but I didn’t realize the extent of how terrific you are. I am honored to know you!
Your son is so luck to have you in his life.
I have been in (happy) tears reading your entries. I have become fairly certain in the last year that one of my 4 year old twins is a trans-girl, and we are in the process of navigating the confusing, sometimes painful issues of: clothing, pronoun use, and the reactions of our family, let alone what we will do when the kids enter Pre-K this fall. This is all so hard, but what I do know is that my baby is so much happier with the dresses and the bows. I can be strong, but it feels like the whole world is working against us. I feel so lost, and your blog offered some much-needed solace today. I will be looking forward to reading more.
I don’t know if you have the time to respond to questions, but if you do – what, if any, steps did you take towards getting your son evaluated at the point that you realized he was trans? We have an appointment to see a child psychiatrist early next month, because our pediatrician – while very kind – was clueless and had no idea what to do with us. What resources have you felt were useful?
I am so glad I found your site! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. We have a transgender son who is 13 and going through major depression. As you know, it is a very complex set of issues to deal with all at once when trying to face the realities of coping in a binary-dominated world. Our kids are the bravest, most amazing people I can imagine, having to come to grips with concepts and questions that have no fixed answers, and to carry on in spite of the multiple daily challenges others can so easily take for granted. I can also say that we parents are warriors as well. The ups and downs, trials and fear are real, but we all triumph and fail, succeed and celebrate together as a community, no? We are paving the path, making history as we go. It is really hard, but there it is. My heart sings for all of you parents and kids going through this as well. You are not alone.
Peace, strength and compassion to everyone who is on this blog!