Wayne Maines
Father, storyteller, and advocate for change
What Does Transgender Mean? One Semi-Conservative Dad's Perspective
Posted: 04/11/2012 4:27 pm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-maines/what-does-transgender-mean_b_1418752.htmlI cannot explain what transgender means to me in a 1,000-word essay, but I can begin to open a dialogue and share a few stories that may help others understand what it means to raise a transgender child. There were many early struggles, and even more for my wife as I was trying to learn my way. But our struggles were small compared with those that both our children faced. I hope to share more than just the painful moments, but also the rewards of watching my beautiful daughter and her amazing brother grow. It is a heartfelt story that I hope will reach communities, schools, churches, political leaders, average families, and anyone who is willing to ask: what does transgender mean?
I answer questions about Nicole at ball games, at the hunting camp, and at the end of my driveway. The unique connections started occurring one father at a time, and they grew to include many others as our story unfolded in a more public way. I hope to help others learn more by sharing some of my most private thoughts. In person, it is easy to get my point across; my feelings, my pain, and my pride are easily recognized. I am not sure I can do the same thing with written words. I hope that by openly sharing some of my struggles, I can encourage people to ask more questions, begin to challenge their beliefs, and move toward accepting new ideas and change.
