As Pride month celebrations gain momentum nationwide, LGBTQ2 advocates are emphasizing the importance of gender-affirming care for transgender youth. In light of the growing threats and protests against the community, a Toronto mother hopes that her personal story of raising a transgender child can foster greater understanding and acceptance among Canadians. Due to safety concerns, Global News has agreed to protect the identities of the mother and child.
The mother shared that her six-year-old child, who was assigned female at birth, disclosed last June that he identified as a boy. Initially, the mother felt overwhelmed and scared, having to convince skeptical family members that her child’s gender identity was valid. However, she noted that there were signs of her son’s true identity since he was a toddler.
For instance, at three years old, her son screamed when presented with a dress for Thanksgiving dinner. He insisted on cutting his hair short and asked to be referred to as a kid instead of a girl. Furthermore, when he looked at a photo of himself at eleven months old wearing a white dress, he adamantly declared, “That’s not me,” and demanded the photo be taken down.
According to Kaylen Lamb, a counselor at Rainbow Resource Centre in Winnipeg, expressing a strong sense of gender identity between the ages of three and five is developmentally appropriate and healthy for children. Additionally, Lamb highlighted that during puberty, many young individuals may feel a disconnect between their physical bodies and how they perceive themselves, which is a normal part of gender exploration.
Statistics Canada’s 2021 report states that one in 300 people aged 15 and older in Canada identify as transgender or non-binary. Sadly, transgender youth often face higher rates of victimization, including physical, sexual, and verbal harassment. They also experience higher rates of mental health issues, such as depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. Lamb stressed that these alarming statistics result from the hostility and discrimination faced by the transgender community, rather than being inherent characteristics of being transgender.
TransPulse Canada’s 2019 survey revealed that one in five transgender and non-binary youth aged 14 to 24 avoided school due to fears of harassment or outing. The survey also showed that two in five respondents had considered suicide in the past year, with one in ten having attempted suicide. Fae Johnstone, the executive director of Wisdom2Action, emphasized that many transgender and gender-diverse youth face ongoing harassment and bullying at school, which negatively impacts their mental health.
Studies have shown that gender-affirming care, including medical and mental health support, can mitigate health disparities among transgender youth. Support and acceptance from caregivers play a crucial role in positively impacting a child’s well-being by validating their true gender identity. Johnstone highlighted that parents and caring adults have a significant influence on the mental health of transgender youth and can significantly reduce the rates of suicidality.
The Toronto mother shared that using her child’s preferred pronouns and providing support has transformed her son’s life. He is now happier, calmer, and more social. However, gaining acceptance from family and friends, especially regarding correct pronoun usage, has been challenging. Fortunately, at school, his peers and teachers have been accepting.
Johnstone and Lamb acknowledged that parents or caregivers may feel scared or confused during this journey, but resources are available to help them navigate the process. They recommended reaching out to organizations like the Rainbow Resource Centre or Planned Parenthood for support. While it is valid to have concerns or anxieties, it is crucial not to burden transgender loved ones with these anxieties. Instead, they should find support for themselves while affirming and respecting their transgender child or friend.
Gender-affirming care for youth does not typically involve medical intervention, such as puberty blockers or hormone therapy, for young children. Instead, it begins with simple yet essential steps like using correct pronouns and names. Lamb emphasized the importance of allowing children to express their gender identity through clothing, hairstyle, and how they are perceived. Medical interventions, including hormone blockers, usually occur around the onset of puberty but are not recommended until that time.
The Toronto mother acknowledged that her son is still young at six years old, and hormone intervention is not yet necessary. However, he has expressed a clear desire not to develop breasts in the future. These decisions regarding medical interventions will be made when the time is right.
In conclusion, raising awareness about gender-affirming care for transgender youth, providing support and acceptance, and educating oneself are vital steps in fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. By embracing these principles, individuals can make a positive impact on the lives of transgender children and ensure their overall well-being.
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