For mom Christy Hegarty, it was heartbreaking watching her son, Liam, struggle with his identity.
As a young child, she wondered whether his fascination with girl's clothing and toys meant he might grow up to be gay.
But that fascination soon descended to depression and anger - clear signs of gender dysphoria.
Then, at the age of five, Liam was standing in front of the mirror and said: 'I am a girl in my head and heart.'
It was then the mother from Durham, New Hampshire, knew, she told FRONTLINE in a new documentary, Growing Up Trans.
Lia went to school in dark jeans and a 'girly shirt'. No one said anything.
!!!Click on the post title to Read more!!!!
The following day, Lia was confident enough to wear a shirt and a skirt.
Mrs Hegarty called the school to let them know, and the prinicipal offered to meet Lia at the bus and walk in with her.
Mrs Hegarty said that was not necessary.
The guidance counsellor lead a discussion that told the children that every child is different.
'Most of the kids were okay with it and some asked questions,' Mrs Hegarty said.
'Lia was so confident and self-assured. She powered through.
'But when she came home that night, she was really sad — she told me that the principal had asked everyone over the loud speaker not to make fun of people who may make different choices.
'When she realized people had laughed, she was disappointed.
'But it didn't break her spirit.
'That night at an event she went back to school with us and it was our debut as the parents of a boy who likes to dress in girls' clothes.
'Her bravery at that time was overwhelming to me.'
Legally, Liam's name is now Lia - even on her birth certificate.
Now aged 10, Lia will start taking medication in about six months that will stop her going through puberty.
Her parents believe that is the best option for them to explore, so that Lia can grow up a bit more and decide exactly what she wants to do with her body.
0 comments:
Post a Comment