I'm really tired of people chastising parents, accusing us of not allowing our kids to "explore their gender." Like it's a wonderful journey, so special and full of sparkles and rainbows.
Well, my daughter "explored her gender" for a while and was absolutely miserable. /1
Well, my daughter "explored her gender" for a while and was absolutely miserable. /1
Not because I was restricting her in clothing, haircuts, or interests. (I didn't.) But because she got the idea in her head (thanks Tumblr) that testosterone would make her feel better. And I said, "Hold on, let's think things through." /2
The gender journey stressed her out. Lots of Tumblrites tell of the importance of becoming your "authentic self"by transitioning, warning that otherwise you'll be miserable for the rest of your life and will likely kill yourself. /3
So I'm sure she felt pressure from her online friends. From me she got a different perspective. I told her I believed her distress, but I wasn't convinced she had self-diagnosed correctly. Why not take it slowly and talk to a therapist? /4
I could almost see the tug-of-war going on in my daughter's head. The urge to transition vs. the cautious approach advocated by mom. She was angry one moment and sad the next. /5
Thanks to the "gender journey" both my daughter and myself were put through the wringer. I don't recommend it. It's not for the faint of heart. /6
