June 17, 2012 at 11:54am 78 notes
lgbtq
Source: Los Angeles Times
Transgender kids get help navigating a difficult path: Amber is one of an increasing number who are getting specialized care. The 12-year-old takes puberty-blocking drugs and hopes to have gender reassignment surgery at 16. Amber, who is tall with ruddy cheeks and smooth skin, grew her hair and decorated her room with Hello Kitty wall decals, beaded pink curtains and a pink ballerina blanket. She started playing with makeup. Jamie found the change and giving up his expectations for a father-son relationship difficult. But he saw that Amber was much more confident and happy. “As uncomfortable as it is for a father to see his son dressing as a girl, I knew we were heading in the right direction,” he said. A monthly support group helped Michelle and Jamie. The parents talked about their feelings and traded information about schools, doctors and medications. “Being in the group has reinforced our thought process and the choices we are being forced to make,” Michelle said. Photo: Amber was born a boy named Aaron. Last year, she started taking medication to keep her from going through puberty. “I can be who I am,” Amber said. “I can be a girl.” Credit: Arkasha Stevenson / Los Angeles Times  

Transgender kids get help navigating a difficult path: Amber is one of an increasing number who are getting specialized care. The 12-year-old takes puberty-blocking drugs and hopes to have gender reassignment surgery at 16.

Amber, who is tall with ruddy cheeks and smooth skin, grew her hair and decorated her room with Hello Kitty wall decals, beaded pink curtains and a pink ballerina blanket. She started playing with makeup.

Jamie found the change and giving up his expectations for a father-son relationship difficult. But he saw that Amber was much more confident and happy. “As uncomfortable as it is for a father to see his son dressing as a girl, I knew we were heading in the right direction,” he said.

A monthly support group helped Michelle and Jamie. The parents talked about their feelings and traded information about schools, doctors and medications. “Being in the group has reinforced our thought process and the choices we are being forced to make,” Michelle said.

Photo: Amber was born a boy named Aaron. Last year, she started taking medication to keep her from going through puberty. “I can be who I am,” Amber said. “I can be a girl.” Credit: Arkasha Stevenson / Los Angeles Times  

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  3. sdrake reblogged this from latimes and added:
    Fascinating article that really hits home—almost cried thinking about a trans* friend in high school and how agonizing...
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  10. theindecision reblogged this from latimes and added:
    I approve, and I think Laci would too. I’m glad parents are becoming more open minded to their kids’ needs and...
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