News and Events => Opinions & Editorials => Topic started by: Shana A on April 13, 2012, 07:44:41 AM Return to Full Version
Title: What Does Transgender Mean? One Semi-Conservative Dad's Perspective
Post by: Shana A on April 13, 2012, 07:44:41 AM
Post by: Shana A on April 13, 2012, 07:44:41 AM
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.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-maines/what-does-transgender-mean_b_1418752.html)
I 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.
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.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-maines/what-does-transgender-mean_b_1418752.html)
I 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.
Title: Re: What Does Transgender Mean? One Semi-Conservative Dad's Perspective
Post by: Jamie D on April 13, 2012, 01:32:38 PM
Post by: Jamie D on April 13, 2012, 01:32:38 PM
If I am not mistaken the author of the piece is the father of the genetically identical twins (boys at birth), one of whom is now a transgendered teenaged girl. These twins have been featured in several earlier posts.
Title: Re: What Does Transgender Mean? One Semi-Conservative Dad's Perspective
Post by: Shana A on April 13, 2012, 05:08:18 PM
Post by: Shana A on April 13, 2012, 05:08:18 PM
Quote from: Jamie D on April 13, 2012, 01:32:38 PM
If I am not mistaken the author of the piece is the father of the genetically identical twins (boys at birth), one of whom is now a transgendered teenaged girl. These twins have been featured in several earlier posts.
I've posted a number of articles about this family in Maine whose trans daughter was discriminated against in a rural school. She's become an activist, and has testified in the Maine House for anti discrimination bills.
Z
Title: Re: What Does Transgender Mean? One Semi-Conservative Dad's Perspective
Post by: Jamie D on April 13, 2012, 06:05:39 PM
Post by: Jamie D on April 13, 2012, 06:05:39 PM
Yes you did. Thanks.
HERE (http://abcnews.go.com/Health/identical-twin-boys-transgender-brother-sister/story?id=15142268) is one of the original news stories.
HERE (http://abcnews.go.com/Health/identical-twin-boys-transgender-brother-sister/story?id=15142268) is one of the original news stories.