Hi, Also a mother of a now 16 year old transgender son. I have not found this forum before but would have been on here years ago had I known about it. I can say there are a lot of parents supporting their children now and is more the majority then the minority that I am finding on different groups and forums; even personally. My son has the full support of myself, my husband (his step-father; ironically his biological father and grandparents have harassed him and been very cruel. Have had to call the police on at least one occasion). My 13 year old daughter (his sister) has grown up these past 4 years understanding and accepting his name change (changed it to his step father's first name and my husband's grandfather whom passed when my husband was very young. He asked us what we would name him and while we talked days about it he one day asked my husband what his father's name was. His name came from there and we were both touched) and supporting him automatically with everything-even the tough pronoun change the first year that she kept confusing. We were the ones that told him we would find alternate solutions to high school but he was adamant to want to stay with his new name, etc. Different school however. The school is very supportive and the teachers are respectful. We had a very long talk at the beginning to the school and the board about this and they did a lot to support. However, the first school we went to approach in the area stated very firmly, "We dont really have students like that here" then wouldnt return calls. We could have fought but this was better. He has attended this school year and part of last. While he still says that there are those whom mutter things under their breath in the hall at him, my husband and I are more concerned then he seems to be and just waves it off. He says they are just idiots and they are jealous of all the female friends he has there (which he does). He also has a lot of both straight and gay young men that come over and are good friends. This keeps us feeling a little less worried. He is brave and we are proud of him. Wanted to post so anyone can hear maybe a 'flip side' of the schools.
Then wanted to add to the previous posts of a frustration; here in Fl my son had sessions on skype for counseling and at a pretty high cost. He did several sessions-the doctor is in Miami and the only we could honestly find in Fl-and was told she would approve the shots but when we asked for any kind of help finding someone, she couldn't provide. She said she can only refer once we find someone. We are having problems finding someone for that and at any price. Lower cost after the thousands we have already shelled out would be extra helpful. If there is any help in this area, please let me know. Would love to hear from you.
