For a long time, the society has been confined to believe that the desire for transitioning from one gender to another can only be pursued when one is an adult and that it has to be as a last option. With this approach, the society fails to understand or even put into consideration how grateful it would be to support transgender children in their journey. In this paper, I take the role of a being a parent dealing with a child with transgender issues.
Conception determines the genetic sex of an individual. While the eggs in the human body comprise a female determining X-chromosome, the sperm cell comprises of an X-chromosome or Y-chromosome (Boyd & Bee, 2012). Consequently, if the fertilization of the X-bearing egg is by a Y-bearing sperm, the embryo’s sex will be male (XY) while an X-bearing sperm will lead to an embryo whose sex is female (XX). However, sex is a product of the all-inclusive genetic makeup, internal and external reproductive organs, and hormones as well as secondary sex qualities.
The Development of Gender
The description of gender involves either femininity or masculinity terms and is founded on people’s biological sex, with distinct roles, clothing and others. Normally, gender is determined by the social/cultural distinctions linked with being male or female. A person’s gender is thus reinforced by gender identity or internal senses that make one male or female (Boyd & Bee, 2012). However, some people have gender identities that differ from their assigned sex at birth or transgender.
Transgender Child Scenario
After realizing their child maintained being a girl than a boy, Jazz’s parents would not understand how their son could not identify he was physically male. They first thought that it could pass but with time, Jazz insisted being a female and became even more feminine. Then, the parents took him to a specialist who confirmed his situation (Stocks, 2011).
My Reaction as a Parent with Transgender Child
Like Jazz’s parents, I would not try to understand my son’s consistent approval of being a girl than the boy he was (Stocks, 2011). Instead, I would assume it would pass. In my growing up, I have not heard of transgender children and would be prompted to try and change my child through guidance. Realizing that my child is not changing, it is then that I identify if there is any information from books and other online resources and from any children support services programs that recognizes children with such issues.
What I Could Do to Prepare for the Situation
In preparation, I would research and read relevant resources, and visit therapists to have him assessed. I would also try and control my child’s experiences by supporting them emotionally and practically and requiring the same from his siblings like Jazz’s family did (Stocks, 2011). For instance, I would talk to the child about the ways in which people are different and provide them with a language to use when he talks about self. This would greatly assist them to comprehend and prepare for the reality that not everyone will approve having children like them, and talk to his school.
I would allow my Young Child to Dress like a Girl
Through his confession that he is a girl, it is clear that a part of him feels that he does not fit being a boy, and further probing would indicate that he is always uncomfortable in male clothes. This simple move would mean supporting my child’s happiness and demonstrate my respect his openly voiced opinion about himself. As an 11 year old boy, Jazz would respond to my denial to allow him dress like a girl by withdrawing and not enjoying playing, developing antisocial habit, and remaining depressed and unhappy all times. Though it is a hard decision, I would prefer to have my child change from antisocial and unhappy, to a very happy person thrilled to be alive.
Special Challenges to be faced by Transgender Male children
To become a girl, the transition would require managing the development of male puberty changes like broadened of shoulders, beards, and deep voice (Stocks, 2011). First, hormone-suppressors would be used to avoid developing male qualities by pausing Jazz’s puberty. This would enable him to make a firm decision on whether to transition or not. If Jazz decides to transition, she has to remain under transgender hormone therapy, but expect rejection from and isolation from his friends, and relatives. Additionally, transgender children are a recent issue and whether the hormones would attain the intended purpose is yet to be verified.
My Thought on the criteria for Gender Identity Disorder
The criteria for GID are determination of mental disorder, how people perceive themselves, and how people perceive others. The resulting diagnostic terms facilitate care and access insurance cover, but result to stigmatization (Boyd & Bee, 2012). I think using the term disorder not only causes stigmatization because individuals are treated as mentally impaired. Instead of allowing people to be who they want to be, GID confines people to be what others want, mentally incapacitated.
Conclusion
It is high time to deal with the myths and misconceptions of transgender children. Many parents do not know how to deal with such situations and are convinced that something is wrong with their children. Instead of empowering them, they subject them to rejection, depression, and unhappy lives. Conversely, parents prepared to face transgender issues in children provide the right support to live as who they want to be.
References
Boyd, D., & Bee, H. (2012). Lifespan Development. New York: Allyn and Bacon.
Stocks, J. (Director). (2011). I AM JAZZ: A Family In Transition [Documentary].
Bibliography
Boyd, D., & Bee, H. (2012). Lifespan Development. New York: Allyn and Bacon.
Stocks, J. (Director). (2011). I AM JAZZ: A Family In Transition [Motion Picture].
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