Annie: Couple asks how to explain transsexualism to teen grandson
Posted: May 11, 2012 - 12:14am
By Annie's Mailbox
http://lubbockonline.com/life-columnists/2012-05-11/annie-couple-asks-how-explain-transsexualism-teen-grandson (http://lubbockonline.com/life-columnists/2012-05-11/annie-couple-asks-how-explain-transsexualism-teen-grandson)
DEAR ANNIE: We have two children and a 13-year-old grandson. Two years ago, our 48-year-old unmarried son very reluctantly told us that he has been diagnosed with gender identity disorder and considers himself to be female. This came as a complete surprise, but we decided to support her wholeheartedly, and we find her to be much happier than before.
Here is the problem: Our other son and his wife don't want their teenage son to know because they are afraid it will have a negative effect on his development. This makes family gatherings impossible, as the boy's uncle now dresses and lives as a woman.
We love both of our children and our grandson, but we are getting older and don't know how long this impasse will last. How do we best explain transsexualism to a boy that age, and should we? — The Parents