Happy Mother’s Day To The Moms Leading The Fight For Trans Students
Transgender kids have people who can and will support them.
On Mother’s Day, I feel incredibly lucky to know so many wonderful mothers of trans children showing me every day what unconditional love and support look like. In particular this year, I want to honor my mom and all the parents fighting for trans students to have the simple right to safe learning environments in school.
As a transgender woman and an advocate for trans youth, I know first-hand what it’s like to face bullying and violence, and I know how easily these problems can interfere with education, making classrooms and hallways hostile territory for anyone who is different. When I was in elementary school, I didn’t yet understand myself as transgender. I had no role models. There had not yet been any trans kids in the news, no Jazz Jennings. Like most kids, I just wanted to fit in, enjoy school, read, write, learn about math and science—but the world around me told me that I was different, and that difference was wrong. I was an awkward, shy kid who loved books. I was sensitive and known for crying. As early as preschool someone made up a rumor of me kissing a boy on the playground. I don’t think it ever happened—but regardless—I was taunted for it daily. I remember that feeling, of being the reject, the weirdo, the deviant.
But despite these challenges, I was able to be successful because my mom instilled in me the value of learning and education. She has a tough job—she is a reading teacher. Because she is fluent in Spanish and Latina, she has often found herself throughout her career helping kids who are struggling with a culture that tells them they are wrong for being Latinx. Yet just as she stands up for them, she also stands up for transgender students.
I was able to be successful because my mom instilled in me the value of learning and education.
Recently my mother’s school notified teachers they’d be conducting trainings on how to treat trans kids. My mom immediately took action and wrote a letter telling other teachers why it’s so important to respect trans kids.
“I’m sure you realize when a child transitions it is a very difficult time especially ‘for the adult,’” she wrote, “but seeing a person be happy and thrive in their chosen gender is a wonderful thing. The current bathroom issue is truly a form of discrimination, ignorance, and unjust fear.”
I love my mom, and yes, our journey through my transition may have been difficult at times, but this Mother’s Day, I’m so grateful for her and for all the other moms and all the other Happy Mother's Day To The Moms Leading The Fight For Trans Students | HuffPost:
