troung

Boy wants to return to school as a girl
written by: Nelson Garcia , Reporter

created: 2/7/2008 6:14:17 PM
Last updated: 2/8/2008 11:19:29 AM
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=85989

# TransYouth Family Advocates
# National Center for Transgender Equality
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Boy wants to return to school as a girl. 9NEWS at 5 p.m. 02/07/08
HIGHLANDS RANCH – The issue of being transgender usually pops up with students in high school. However, a 2nd grade boy wants to dress as a girl and be addressed with a girl's name.

"As a public school system, our calling is to educate all kids no matter where they come from, what their background is, beliefs, values, it doesn't matter," said Whei Wong, Douglas County Schools spokesperson.

Wong says the staff at one of Douglas County's schools is preparing to accommodate the student and answer questions other students might have. In order to protect the child as much as possible, 9NEWS has chosen not to reveal his school or other names that might identify the child.

"I see this as being a very difficult situation to explain to my daughter to explain why someone would not want to be the gender they were born with," said Dave M.

His daughter will be in the same class as the student.

The student had attended this same school in years prior, but had left to go to classes in another district for about two years. The transgender student will be returning to what is the child's home school. Dave M. thinks classmates will recognize the change.

"I do think that there's going to be an acknowledgement that 'Why are you in a dress this year when you were in pants last year?'" said Dave M.

Wong says teachers are planning to address the student by name instead of using he or she. The child will not use the regular boys or girls bathroom. Instead, two unisex bathrooms in the building will be made available. The school is handing out packets to parents who have questions. The packets contain information about people who are transgender.

"I think it is unusual," said Wong. "It's something we haven't had discussions about before. It's something that we haven't maybe really had to think about before, but now we will."

Family Therapist Larry Curry hopes the child and the child's parents are seeing a counselor just to be safe.

"I am very concerned because with the guidelines in place, this is a very early age," said Curry. "I don't know too many parents who are equipped to answer that kind of question or deal with it without some other support."

Kim Pearson says the family is getting support. She is the executive director of a national organization called TransYouth Family Advocates. The group has been working with the family and Douglas County Schools.

"Initially there was a lot of resistance," said Pearson. "Now, their position is they want this child to be safe in their school."

Pearson says their group is working with an increasing number of families nationwide who have elementary age transgender kids.

"We know that families are more comfortable talking about this," she said. "There was no place for parents to go."

Pearson says children as young as 5 years old are realizing their true gender identity and her group wants to help parents who may be resisting the acceptance of this.

"Parents are likely to think this it's a phase, but how long do phases last?" said Pearson. "With these kids, it's something that's very consistent."

That thought is not comforting to Dave M., who believes his daughter is not ready to think about the issue of being transgender.

"I don't think a (2nd) grader does have the rationale to decide this life-altering choice," said Dave M.

He is also unhappy with the way the school is handling this. The district has been preparing for the child's return to this school for months. Dave M. thinks other parents should have been made aware of this sooner.

"I just find it ironic that they can dictate the dress style of children to make sure they don't wear inappropriate clothing, but they have no controls in place for someone wearing transgender clothing," said Dave M.

Curry says parents like Dave M. should not bring the issue up to their students until they ask. However, he says parents should be ready to answer tough questions from the student's fellow third graders.

"I think reassuring them and letting them know that they'll be alright. Their classmate is alright," said Curry. "This is something their classmate has chosen to do. It is not contagious."

Pearson says the most important thing is to make sure the transgender student does not become the target of bullying or verbal abuse which can lead to suicide.

"These children are at high-risk," said Pearson. "Our number one goal is to keep kids safe."

Wong says mental health professionals will be available if students, staff, or parents have any concerns at all. She says the district views this as just another diversity issue and hopes everyone can accept and respect the student's wishes.

"Our staff has been briefed and trained to look for concerns," said Wong.

The family of the transgender student did not want to comment.

(Editor's note: 9NEWS was orginially told, and reported the student was in 3rd grade. We have since been told the student is in 2nd grade.)


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Stan187

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot??!!?!

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glyn

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THL

I dont know about this one. It would be different if the kid were older, high school age or so, but a 2nd grader? Are they even old enough to know what transgender means? To most 2nd grade boys, dont girls still have cooties? I think it is odd that at such a young age he wants to be one.

I think this kid is going to have a hard time of it and it may have been better to have allowed the kid to start off in a completely new school instead of going back to one where the kids know him. School is hard enough with out adding this to it. Good luck to him.

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BadKharma

I would have to agree that is really to young to have any idea what he is thinking. Also changing schools would be the best for him.

ChrisF202

This is quite ... disturbing to say the least. If you cant handle who and what you are then you have some serious issues.

Adux

Are we getting too liberal(better word) for our own good, any kid who is under 18 shouldnt be allowed do such things. Do what you like after you become aware of yourself as a person. The law has made it 18 years, do what you want afterwards.

Debbie

I had to read this twice to make sure that it said 2nd grader......Self identification of course with being male/female has already taken place before this time. If I recall correctly, that happens before the toddler stage.........This kid has great awareness of self.

At this point I don't believe they would understand what exacty transgender means, but he does understand maybe what he wants. I would like to know more about the parents in all this.

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Southie

In high school though it is not uncommon nor surprising to see cross dressers. We have quite a few at Alonso, and for the most part, no one says anything to them. We did have one kid that would flaunt his being gay, and unfortunately he was beat up one night. He went the whole nine yards, make-up and all! He was creepy!!!

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Adux

Debbie,

It is boy in 2nd grade, how much would he know. I think this is plain silly. He might grow up to regret that decision later. My parents will be held responsible not him.

Gun Grape

How old is this 2d grader?

Bullcrap

Aah life in the big city. You won't see that in Panama City or Tallahassee.

Up here you keep all that stuff at home. When you go to school. its to learn. Not express your sexuality, show religious beliefs or support for agenda X.
If you do choose to do one of those things, your sent home. I don't see why, once your city reaches a certain size City/county legislators and administrators suddenly get stupid and think they have to allow stuff like that.

And yes ,our county has had the ACLU, various Christian Defense groups, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force all threaten to sue. But the powers that be, rode it out and they haven't been ruled against yet.