Tags
acceptance, activism, community, family, future, gender diversity, gender fluid, gender identity, gender variance, inspiration, LGBT, media, self awareness, transgender
Moments ago I sat on my couch, enjoying a little break from homeschooling as Hope does her independent math problems (her favorites), and read the Chicago Tribune article that just came out about Be Who You Are, and about us. It’s surreal. And wonderful. My mind is spinning.
Reminds me of a conversation I had last with a friend who told me he heard a PSA supporting the LGBT community earlier that day. “I watch a lot of TV,” he said, “but I’ve never heard anything like that before.” Times are changing. Hearts and minds are opening. With each story, each voice, the message finds a crack where it never reached before and therein lies the opportunity to grow and expand, and love.
Maybe I’m too hopeful? Maybe I need to see the silver lining so that my momentum doesn’t lose steam? Or maybe, just maybe, this is exactly what I’ve always dreamed about – a time when we can talk about gender diverse children and their families without shame or fear.
As I write I watch my gorgeous little child peacefully working on her schoolwork, pausing for a moment to grin at me as she finds I am staring a little too long. I can’t help it. I would move mountains for my the safety and well-being of my children. I will fight for her, and all kids who are diverse in their gender expression, so that they have an equal chance in this world. They deserve to experience life, with all of its ups and downs, the way any child could. Gender is just one part of the whole child.
“I love you,” I tell her when I look up and it’s she who is now looking right at me.
“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” Abraham Lincoln
Indeed we must all have hope and you dear moma bear give Hope hope for her future. You are leading by example for ALL of us. Your example is inspiring. As a TS woman I choose not to live stealth but rather to live my life to the fullest openly and honestly trying in my very small way to make a difference for our children, the children of the world by allowing people to get to know me as I am.
Jenn, go look in the mirror, see if you find the person referenced in this quote. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams
Trust in yourself, never lose faith in our fellow human beings.
Cheryl
Cheryl… You have me crying tears of absolute joy right now. Can I get that quote tattooed somewhere on me? I love it. I will put it up in my office and think of the countless people who inspire me, including you and the two little munchkins upstairs who shower me with love and affection. Everything is worth it. Everything. Thank you. My Best- Jen
Thank you thank you thank you. For ten years I have volunteered with a summer camp for kids in the LGBTQ community (Camp Ten Trees), many of whom are gender-variant and/or transgender. Too many come from family situations where they are not supported or given the love they so much deserve, and it is always so devastating to see them go home. I am so happy to have found your website (and book!), and am excited to share this resource. Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you Meredith! I am going to check out your camp. I would love the kids to have a positive camp experience and it sounds like you have a very supportive environment. Best- Jen
Loved your post. You’re a tremendous example to other parents of how to simply love your child and how to see them and all their beautiful truth. I’m hoping for the day when all children can simply be who they are, and not be punished for expressing their femininity or masculinity because it’s at odds with who the world thinks they are.
I don’t want children to have to hide themselves, and never get to be children. I want all the trans kids out there to be happy and whole, not like I was: paralyzed with fear, cocooned in loneliness. Your book is helping make that a reality.
Here’s another quote from my namesake, Abigail Adams. ~Great necessities call out great virtues.
Honestly some of John Adams best lines, were originally hers. She was a truly amazing woman, truly our founding mother. Her husband and son, John Q. were both president. John Q. learned how to be a leader sitting at his mother’s feet.
Also check out http://www.camparanutiq.org/ I really really hope I can use my vacation time this summer to be a counselor there.
best,
Abby
Many thanks Abby- both for your inspirational words (I cherish the quotes!) and the link for the camp. I hope that we all find the courage to resist hiding in our lives, for whatever reason. Life in the light transforms us completely. As always, you’ve lifted me with your comments. Thank you. My Best- Jen