Open letter of welcome to parents
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Dear Parent, Thank you for making contact with our group and for sharing your story. It is always so comforting for me to hear from other people. My husband and I have three children; two girls and one boy. Our eldest was born with a male body but identified as a female from the time she could walk and talk. We have validated her female identity for the past two years now and after a bit of a negotiation process she now attends her school as a girl (it is wonderful to finally see her go off to school happily!). We did pull her out of the school for a term whilst undertaking a process of obtaining letters of recommendation by psychiatrists and GP's etc; which was a little stressful at the time as we were worried about having her missing so much school - but in retrospect it was absolutely vital for her emotional well-being. Starting her at another school was really not an option we wanted to consider. She had already been to (please forgive me... !!) an "all boys school" - in a useless, last resort attempt to "teach her the boys' language" - on the recommendation of "psychological professionals" in Adelaide!!!! She had also attended another school in an attempt to find a more open and understanding community. We finally have that - three schools later- and really want stability for her. So whilst the school community in general are aware of our daughter's predicament, the general response for now is of acceptance and understanding - particularly amongst the children... although we are prepared for any bumpy roads that may appear. Our child has just turned 9. So, there you have it. All of us here within our True Colours^ group have amazing stories of courage and strength of character to tell. That is a gift that our children bring to us in their need for our support. We are in Adelaide and every three months make a trip to Melbourne to see specialists there with the aim of obtaining Phase 1 puberty blocking hormonal treatment for our daughter just before the onset of physical pubertal development. Through True Colours we have made contact with other families with children who experience transsexualism. My daughter has been so happy to meet others who have the same experiences as she does. It's very healing for the parents too!!! I guess I want to welcome you and the opportunity to make contact if you wish. We were very protective of our daughter and remain so today. However, after making contact with the group of parents, children, families and friends that is now True Colours, life for us all is so much easier. What seemed for me once a very painful thing to be going through is now - just "how it is" and it's all good. I look forward to hearing from you again soon. Kindest regards,
^TrueColours.org.au maintained by True Colours Diversity *Names have been changed in order to preserve anonymity. |
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