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Update to My Kid Came Out as Trans

Rumplestiltskin's picture

I did some research and found a good therapist who specializes in gender issues. We've had a few visits and he does seem to be an expert in the area with over 30 years of treating people with gender dysphoria. He does think my kid (born female) truly has it and isn't likely to change his mind. The therapist said the best thing a parent can do is respect their kid's preferred name and pronouns, so that's what i'm going to do.

My SO and his kids have been very accepting, and so has my family. My SO's parents and my ex's family may be an issue. I'm still not on board with physical transitioning but i've decided i will pay for the mental health care involved and an endocrinology visit, as i don't want my son going to non-trustworthy sources. As far as testosterone therapy, we will see. My son is adamant that he will take this. He will be 18 soon and won't need my permission but i have no idea the cost of meds or surgery, and i've discussed that he will need to find a source of income for any physical interventions (a job.) Though, i honestly don't know what i will be willing to help with in the future. I know there's a difference between life-saving medication and, say, a boob job, but i'm not sure where this falls on that spectrum in my mind. It's not exactly cosmetic but, idk. It's a lot to unpack and i'm not sure where to draw the line. I want my son to be happy, healthy, and progressing toward independent adulthood. This throws a major wrench in what i thought the trajectory would be. 

Comments

Steppedonnomore's picture

I applaud your actions in support of your son.  Yes, you may need to rethink a lot of the dreams you had for your child and their future.  One thing to remember, he is exactly the same person he has always been inside; you just know him better now.  Blessings to you both!

Rumplestiltskin's picture

Thanks. Yeah, i do believe he has always been this way. The signs were there from a young age, but until he actually told me, i thought i just had a masculine-leaning lesbian. So, this isn't out of nowhere but it is still a big adjustment. 

Harry's picture

And EX parents have nothing to do with your family.  You live befor them and you will live after them .

Your son is young.  Mental health,,therapist is a good place to start.  But actuall surgery is a no coming back from.   I would insist that he. Delays actuall surgery until he . Dresses and lives like a woman for some time year or fwo to make sure this is the life he wants to live his life.  

Rumplestiltskin's picture

He was actually born a "she", and has been dressing in men's clothes for several years. But, i agree about the surgery. I just can't see doing major surgery on perfectly healthy "parts." 

advice.only2's picture

I'm glad your son has a good therapist who deals in this.  Ideally we want to help out m our children financially as much as we can, but realistically the amount of money your son will need to invest in this is going to be large, potentially.  I don't think it's wrong to have him start working towards his goals knowing financially it's going to be an investment. 

Rumplestiltskin's picture

One good thing is that the therapist is on board with him being as independent of an adult as possible. 

Rags's picture

However, I would not allow any hormone treatements, puberty blockers, or surgeries for a minor child.

Just me. But.... if a child wants to take body destroying steps, they should have to make that happen once they are adults.

We have a gay adult son, but not a trans child.  I am sure that this has to be an incredibly hard thing for a parent  to work through and support.

 

Rumplestiltskin's picture

They will be 18 in less than a month, so any decisions will be their own. My main concern is getting them the best professional help and guidance possible. 

Sadielady's picture

Your son is lucky to have you. It's a lot for a parent to unpack. I believe that gender affirming surgery is life-saving. The stats and research are clear in terms of the severe depression and/or suicidality in transgendered people. Your acceptance and unconditional love come across in your post. I don't know what the costs are, and/or what your resources are, but I would urge you to help him in whatever way makes him feel whole and seen. 
 

ETA: that should read whatever way you can afford to. 

NieMojCyrk's picture

I kind of have to ask this question since the topic was brought up.

If it were a step child we were talking about in this case, would we support our husbands to pay for the surgery? 70k-100k+? 

The only reason I'm asking is because just a few days ago I found out by accident that my husband's son is transsexual. I don't know if my husband knows about it, more likely he has no clue. Its a long story and I was thinking about posting my first blog to get some opinions from you all. I don't need to say that I'm talking about a highly alianated SS. I am still processing this in my mind and I am just blown. 
 

Sadielady's picture

I just reread my comment. I meant to say that OP should help in whatever way she's able to. If one of my SKs was in this situation, and my DH could afford to help, I would support him helping. Even though my SKs are estranged from me.

NieMojCyrk's picture

Yes, absolutely. I don't want to be the messenger. Last time my husband met his son was almost one year ago. I don't ask why they don't meet and see each other, that's how damaged the relationship with his son is. Now, after I found out that his son is a transsexual, I can only speculate - it's either my husband knows and refuses to accept it, therefore keeps it a secret, or my husband has no idea and his son is refusing to actually reveal this whole thing. I'm leaning towards that my husband has no clue. 
Either way after my initial shock and all that, I decided to keep my mouth shut. I can't ask my husband why he hasn't seen his son in an year, because it would come out fake. As I already mentioned the relationship is so damaged that asking questions would be interpreted as me just being dishonest. Probably not far from the truth. I have no interest in being involved in his son's life and it's vise versa. I've been kicked out of it and I've made my peace.
But I've been thinking about eventually getting to a point where I'd have to support or not my husband. 
His son refuses to get a job, learn to drive or be social. Meaning that if he wants to do the surgery he won't even chip a dime. What happens after that? Would he be a happy and an independent and constructive citizen to the society? What else would take to make someone happy, someone who's is generally not a happy person? 
BM has beated into his head a huge leeching mentality and until now I've been worrying that even after university graduation he won't get a job. Now that. When is the line drawn?
I'm still processing this and I am so confused.  
 

 

lieutenant_dad's picture

This transition gets easier. YSK is trans, waiting to turn 18 so they can start physical transition (not legal in our state anymore for minors, which infuriates me to no end). Now that I have new insurance, I'm hoping we can find them a new gender-affirming therapist. Their last one switched to providing care to younger kids, so YSK has been seeing what I call a "stop-gap therapist".

Yes, it's a lot to unpack. The best thing you can do is educate yourself and be a real ally to your son. There will be a lot of a-holes in this world, and he'll need you to go mama bear on some of them eventually. Just keep yourself informed and find other parents to talk to for support.

Harry's picture

Is top surgery will likely work. Depending on the amount of money you spend the better the result in scaring. If they go through the arm pit the scar is there and not noticeable.  If they just cut at the bottom then there big scar. What will be noticeable when naked.  
Bottom surgery on femal to mail. Difficult it's a removal of all female organs.  Major surgery..  and the fake man parts never look real. It's can not function sexually.  You have something to make it hard. Rod.  Most likely not get that feeling and will not get that happy ending 

'So he must really look into it. How he wants to be seen naked.  And the vast majority of woman will not want someone who can not have children with.  Many problems to work out.  My daughter was a lesbian. The just majority of her lovers. Decided later on. Not that much latter in.  
They want chrildren and the life that look normal ['even though I really can't be normal]  Found a man got married and has kids.  Even through a few years before it was life in a woman to woman relationship.  My daughter was the  male there other woman were the female part so the getting married etc part was somewhat normal for them.

CLove's picture

Neither of Husbands daughters seem likely to produce grandkids right now, and SD17 Powersulk was previously very masculine. Ive broached the topic and she tells me she eventually wants kids, and identifies as female, however one never knows because she was also chopping off her hair and wanting chest binders.