It’s A Girl!

Well, not exactly.

When they handed me our beautiful baby 14 years ago, I never thought I would someday be writing this blog, but life has a funny way of throwing you curve balls and this experience happens to be one of ours– one that, believe it or not, I would never trade for the world.

I am a proud parent of a transgender child. A child given the name of Samantha at birth but now is legally known as Samuel, who has helped us broaden our view of the world, challenge our beliefs, and test our courage merely because he possessed the internal fortitude to be true to himself at an uncommonly young age.

If you look up the word ‘transparent’ in the dictionary you will find that it means to be open…able to see through…without deceit…and that is exactly how I plan to write my posts. For if I do, it is my optimistic belief that you will find transgender people are just like the rest of us and when more people come to this realization, we will be one step closer to eliminating the stigma surrounding this community.

So with this post I begin blogging…providing an intimate look at an average Midwest family raising a transgender child. This is our story…our observations…our experience. The good, the bad, and everything in-between. Please check back often…with an open mind and a compassionate heart.

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12 Responses to It’s A Girl!

  1. Friley Mom says:

    Congrats on your first post – I look forward to learning from your experience!

  2. Nicole Nuckley says:

    Way to go, Leslie! What a fabulous resource for everyone. I can’t think of any other family I’d rather learn from!!

  3. KaiserMiller says:

    Thanks for being courageous enough to share your experiences, insights and wisdom. I look forward to reading your posts!

  4. Angela says:

    Leslie, I’m so excited for you. I can’t wait to follow along with your blog and to hear your experiences. Truly inspirational!

  5. Laura Nisi says:

    Leslie, as always you (and Sam) are an inspiration!

  6. Nancy Schneider says:

    You and Sam are my heroes! Yay for your blog!

  7. Janice Walther says:

    Leslie, I’m so happy you’re writings this — for you, for Sam, for us. Thank you. I’m proud of Sam for knowing who he is and having such extraordinary strength and insight at such a young age. We can all learn a lot from him.

  8. janelle holmvig says:

    http://www.safeschoolscoalitio​n.org/whydontyoutellthem.pdf

    You’ve probably read this already–I’m a school nurse, and have passed it out to countless colleagues. The writer is a PFLAG mom, and one fearless mama bear. With a beautiful smile.

    • admin says:

      Hi Janelle – thanks for the link – this is the story I first clung to when we figured out Sam was transgender – I am adding a section that will provide links to articles and this will be the first one on the list. Thanks again for reminding me it was out there and my best to you and your family!

  9. Melanie says:

    Excellent blog, Leslie. Very well written, too!

  10. Karen says:

    Thank you so much for starting your blog Leslie. I will be a regular visitor. My son, aged 14, is transgendered. He has been living as a boy since March this year. My daughter says I should start a blog but I don’t think I’m brave enough.

  11. Spike says:

    I just want to say what brave and awesome people you are. I too, was born in the wrong body, but knew from my earliest memory that I was a boy. I wish that my parents had been so supportive and loving!

    I am so happy to see so many supportive, wonderful, brave and caring parents today, who are willing to accept and understand their children for who they really are.

    As for the people who are jerks at school, Sam, it really does get better. High school can be pretty awful, but college is so much better. I know that doesn’t make it any easier when you have to interact with people who are jerks, but it sounds like you have some really good friends, too. Try to focus on them as much as you can.

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