Trans Kids: In their words
Imagine the scene... Two people, Sharpies and blank sheets of paper. Here follows a thread from Hodgepodge, our support groups for trans kids and their families chatting to one of our volunteers..
Pretend I know nothing about trans kids, help me understand what it feels like?
It feels confusing.
OK. What do you find confusing?
Why the world doesn't understand who I am. They aren't ready for the real me yet.
Later...
If you could tell another parent one thing about your child, what would you share?
That they are no different to any other child.
What would be your one wish for all trans kids?
To know the person, not the gender!
You're really passionate about that! I feel there's more you want to wish for, so you have another wish.
People wouldn't call non-binary, gender fluid people IT as it feel like we are no longer human.
You'll always be human. An amazing human.
You OK? Want to write something?
No its OK, it doesn't matter.
Why do you think it doesn't matter?
When I'm here, my wish comes true. So it doesn't matter just now.
What would your wish be?
I wish I was a boy. And here I am. You see me.
What are your hopes and dreams for when you become a grown up? That I will be really happy and have lots of friends.
Like you do here?
Yes! These guys are my friends for life!
What do your hopes for your future look like?
For the health care of Trans Kids to be fit for purpose.
That's pretty big. Do you feel like we are far away from that now?
Of course we are. Because I hope to have no fear for the future first.
What would you want people to know about trans kids?
That its OK if you get the right advice and support.
You feel you don't sometimes?
Sometimes. People are scared of things they don't understand. And that's OK too! We need to learn together.
What one thing would you tell someone about trans kids?
They can thrive when supported by their families, schools & communities.
We all have a part to play here?
More than we realise. We don't understand how powerful a name or a pronoun can be. To me? Not so important. To him? Life confirming.
Trans kids are incredible.
Yup, they are normal kids. Most kids are incredible. Why do we focus on their label?
That's a great question...