Father of a transgender tween speaks out

[Shana A]

Father of a transgender tween speaks out

by Melissa Jeltsen on August 2, 2010

http://childrenshospitalblog.org/father-of-a-transgender-tween-speaks-out/

What's it like to raise a transgender child? In this Thrive exclusive, a father reflects on his experience. Click here to read more about his daughter and a new medical treatment at Children's that offers hope to transgender teens.

My 12 year old transgender daughter is my mentor. It's tough to put into words what a profound impact this small person has had in changing my core values, but since the young age of five, she has unknowingly encouraged me to open my eyes and heart to new ideas. It hasn't been easy. I've watched her experience severe emotional pain and physical frustration, but thanks to support and guidance, I've watched as she's become a confident, happy and healthy child. And as she changed, I changed too.