Hey everyone, I was just wondering what are some videos that I could show my parents to convince them that trans people can be ok and not crazy, creepy, insane, etc. basically that we can be fine in society and still be good people, etc.  They're strongly against me transitioning, which is to be expected I guess since my desire to do so probably seemed like it came out of nowhere (I came out a month or two ago, at the age of 18).  In the past I have not been super masculine or anything, but there were definitely no signs that I would ever want to change genders, and I was pretty much into "boyish" things, and still am (video games, swords, action movies, etc. basically things that are stereotypically things that boys enjoy but can actually be enjoyed by everyone).  Also, all of my close friends were guys, probably due to me being shy and whatever, although I did make some friends who are girls when I was at college (this is the summer after my freshman year).

Anyway the reason I ask this is, I have seen a few videos about trans people but in all of them it was basically a case of someone who knew they were the wrong gender from a very early age.  Like, as a little boy they'd want to wear dresses and stuff.  Since I never really went through that, I feel like those videos would not really help to validate my case.  I have heard stories from people like me (as in, people who JUST FIGURED OUT they were trans as a teenager or later, in my case 18) but haven't really seen any videos of it, a documentary type thing would be the best.  I'm basically just looking for materials to show my parents that will hopefully influence them to be less hateful and more supportive. 

A while after I told my parents my dad became depressed and started drinking heavily and my mom, although she would be there to talk to me about my issues, would be STRONGLY against whatever things I would say, even when I explained my feelings truthfully and rationally, and would tell me all these things like "you were born a male and I expect you to die a male" and "you will never be beautiful as a girl" etc. etc. basically stuff that made me feel like... really bad (thanks mom).  but yeah if anyone has any videos that they think would be helpful, that would be awesome!

sorry if this is a really long post, I feel like I do that too much, but like... this is basically the only place I can REALLY talk about this stuff besides at therapy which is only about 30 minutes every week, so thank you soooo much to anyone that even replies ;P

I don't really know any, but you could try reading through these:
http://www.tsroadmap.com/early/helpfromfriends.html

Perhaps you'll find something interesting.

You could also try to have your parents meet your therapist. Having a professional tell them in person that you have a valid condition that needs to be treated could help a lot, if they're denying what you say or think it's just a "phase".

"She's a Boy I Knew" sounds like it would be pretty much exactly what you want. Don't think it is available free though, you'd have to buy a copy: http://www.artflick.com/

I've posted this link before, in response to similar question, but it's worth posting again. http://weblogofweeds.wordpress.com/2010/09/22/transgender-children/

Some of these won't work in my country, hopefully they will in yours.

This one was one of many made by our own dear Meghan. If you don't know her, your're in for a treat, she's gorgeous and beautiful inside.

If I may suggest, your dad getting depressed may be a positive sign. People usually have that type of emotional flattening when they are bombarded by mixed thoughts and emotions which they can't deal with immediately. Perfectly normal of course. But it shows he is thinking and not falling back onto social inertia.

At age 18 you should just let go fully to become a woman, dress, act, think, move normal every day. Enjoy every day as a girl/woman, your parents will adjust by your actions. Please no not delay your change in life. I'm older now but in my very early teens I knew my body was entirely wrong however due to concerns from my parents wishes I did not change. It was a mistake.   

I think they are going through the initial shock/acceptance phase. Things tend to get better believe me.

I wish I had came out to them when I was 18 (10 years ago) and dealt with this before going to university. Just stand your ground, don't EVER be disrespectful to them (even if they are to you) and have a lot of patience.

Here is a link to our channel if you haven't heard about it yet! Lots of videos

http://www.youtube.com/user/TransByDef?blend=9&ob=video-mustangbase

TransByDef:

A trans* collaborative channel with the dual purposes of not only addressing trans issues, but providing entertainment to those in need of a break from the stress and woes transitioning can bring.


The girls on the channel's lives are all unique with a different path in life( student, software engineer,software analyst, military, law enforcement, married, single, polyamorous, lesbian, straight etc..)

Thanks for the replies everyone! It means a lot to me seeing as this is basically the only place I can talk about this type of stuff outside of therapy.

Quote from: Bird on May 16, 2012, 07:02:10 PM
I think they are going through the initial shock/acceptance phase. Things tend to get better believe me.

I wish I had came out to them when I was 18 (10 years ago) and dealt with this before going to university. Just stand your ground, don't EVER be disrespectful to them (even if they are to you) and have a lot of patience.

after some introspection I came to this same conclusion myself.  I think the initial reveal was a pretty huge shock seeing as I hadn't really had any signs of being trans before, and my parents have probably reacted so negatively just because it was such an unexpected thing to bring up.  I guess for now, seeing as I've been threatened with getting kicked out of the house if I were to crossdress or anything, I've just got to show my desire to express femininity in whatever non-confrontational ways I can and hope that they eventually realize I'm being sincere about this whole thing... eventually I'll just have to move out and get a job and an apartment I guess, although that would pretty much wreck my plans of going to college, at least at the school I'm at now due to the cost...

ANYWAY it looks like there are a lot of good videos out there, I'll definitely just have to wait until a time comes that I feel comfortable and/or daring enough to try and show any of them to my parents...