In the time since her transition, a spunky and confident little girl has emerged.ĭuring the last year some of you were introduced to my wife, who inadvertently has become a fierce advocate for LGBT youth, thanks to a speech she gave regarding our love for our daughter. My wife and I decided that we would much rather have a happy, healthy daughter than a dead son.

And the main reason that these children state that they try to harm themselves is the lack of love and support of their family and friends.

Over 50% of transgender children try to commit suicide by their mid to late teenage years. The information was sparse, but what we did find was very disturbing. Our child was diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria, and we were told that allowing her to socially transition to live as a girl was the proper “treatment.” At that point my wife and I poured over every bit of information we could find about transgender children. We took her to see her pediatrician, a child psychologist, and a gender therapist. Once our daughter had the words to express who she was in her heart and her brain, we began to seek help from medical experts. A child who was happy and carefree began to be angry, depressed, and was acting out. Looking back now, the signs in the year before her declaration were clear. I only make the last statement because recently there have been people that have directed vile and hateful comments toward my family.Īt 4 years old, my child revealed her true self by stating very clearly and articulately “I am really a girl, I am a girl on the inside.” This statement altered my life forever and is something I would not change for the world. I am a husband, a father, and most of all, I try to be a decent human being.

Hearts of the Storm by Pamela Willis