So you must have seen the recent controversy about a child who was turned down by the Girl Scouts of Colorado because he is a boy who expresses himself as a girl.
Here’s my difficulty, the article explained that this child is a boy (who was born a boy) who presents as a girl. Then they labeled the child a “transgender boy”. In my world a “transgender boy” means a natal female child who identifies and presents as a male. The child in the Girl Scouts controversy appears to be the opposite, a boy who presents as a girl. How did the transgender term get so mixed up here?
From the way the article depicted the child and the family, this child doesn’t have a problem being described as a boy, using his original name or using the “he” pronoun. Tell me if I’m missing something, but most recently the media has latched on to the label “Princess Boy” in similar situations, not “transgender boy”. Why was the term “transgender” used in this way? Should we go back to The Transgender Child and brush up on our terms?
Trust me, I’m not a fan of labels for this very reason. This kind of ambiguity that confuses the media (and therefore the community) is one of the reasons that I use the term “gender diversity”, so that all identifications and expressions are represented and respected. It’s this type of transgender labeling, especially when it doesn’t accurately reflect the reality of the child, that makes parenting a gender diverse child more difficult.
I wish the best outcome for the child and the family. Unfortunately I know firsthand how hard it is to stand up for what you believe in, and have people misunderstand both the situation, and your motives. I think we all agree that all children should have the right to express themselves genuinely and freely, no matter what label you try to attach to them.
I read it and saw the video and assumed the young person is comfortable being a girl and is indifferent about what anyone calls her(him). I suspect in time she(he) will sort it out and may be in the space in between genders, mostly like expressing themself as a girl. Many in similar situations like that hide their desire to be and express their gender, at least her(his) parents allow it.
Does transgender include those who like to be or live in the space in between, being more the gender not of their birth sex but maybe not enough to fit into stereotype(s)? Why do we expect transgender girls women to be or fit a model and to be insistent about being called a girl? When asked what they want to be called, shrug and say, “Whatever.”?
Transgender reminds me of what a physicist said once, “There is nothing worse than a clear view of a fuzzy concept.”
And since when is Alex a boy’s name? Like Alexandra? She has a perfect name to keep if she(he) wants. I hope her(his) parents continue to support them to figure it out and tell them.
Thanks Scott. Best, Jen
I was wondering the exact same thing, but figured it was, yet again, reporters sacrificing clarity and reality over attempted shock value.
What I don’t get is why isn’t it Just Scouts?
I’m with you Maddox! There was actually a Parks & Recreation show about this very subject. And it’s true. Kids are kids and they want to have fun. Should be simple. Best, Jen
Hi Jen,
I agree, media stories often cause more questions than answers. I wish that wasn’t the case so the community could be MORE informed after situations like these. In this case, you are correct… the child should have been referred to as a transgender girl. I also think it may have helped those reading it to understand if the mother would have used female pronouns, but she may have reasons why she has not made the switch yet.
Warmly,
Darlene