03-Feb-2019, 08:26 PM
Hello,
Reading the comments on this introductory "about the board" thread I am concerned that this group is only for parents who want to make their children be just what they, the parent, want the child to be. I'm looking for a group of people who are willing to support their children on their journey to self-identity - even if the end result is not what we, as parents, really want. My child is in the "Rapid Onest Gender Dysphoria" category with a history of self-harm, eating disorders, anxiety, and social struggles and they are now demanding male pronouns, hormones, and surgery. I am not a fan of this route but it is not my decision, however, it is my job to guide and support to the best of my ability with an emphasis on understanding the impact of life-long, irreversible decisions. Therefore, my child and I are currently in (mild to moderate) conflict because I won't agree to medical treatments until there have been at least 2 years of mental health and supportive therapies. (Side note: Personally, if we had to have a gender issue I'd rather the non-binary non-gendered lifestyle, although I identify as female with she/her pronouns, and thus I have decided to try to use they/them pronouns when referring to my child.)
I have trans friends and friends who are trans parents and I fully support the trans community, I will not be joining a group that does not support transgender people and transgender rights. I will not tolerate an anti-trans attitude. What I need and want is support for myself in the job of supporting my child in their journey of self-identity. Is this that place?
Thank you
Reading the comments on this introductory "about the board" thread I am concerned that this group is only for parents who want to make their children be just what they, the parent, want the child to be. I'm looking for a group of people who are willing to support their children on their journey to self-identity - even if the end result is not what we, as parents, really want. My child is in the "Rapid Onest Gender Dysphoria" category with a history of self-harm, eating disorders, anxiety, and social struggles and they are now demanding male pronouns, hormones, and surgery. I am not a fan of this route but it is not my decision, however, it is my job to guide and support to the best of my ability with an emphasis on understanding the impact of life-long, irreversible decisions. Therefore, my child and I are currently in (mild to moderate) conflict because I won't agree to medical treatments until there have been at least 2 years of mental health and supportive therapies. (Side note: Personally, if we had to have a gender issue I'd rather the non-binary non-gendered lifestyle, although I identify as female with she/her pronouns, and thus I have decided to try to use they/them pronouns when referring to my child.)
I have trans friends and friends who are trans parents and I fully support the trans community, I will not be joining a group that does not support transgender people and transgender rights. I will not tolerate an anti-trans attitude. What I need and want is support for myself in the job of supporting my child in their journey of self-identity. Is this that place?
Thank you
