We chose to move to Georgia for educational and career opportunities after living abroad for 10 years. We made our decision even though we have no family in Georgia and had never spent time in the South.
We had only been living in Georgia for about 6 months when our then 12-year-old child (assigned male at birth) told us she was trans. Our daughter had been displaying ever-increasing signs of depression and social anxiety for several years before she came out to us. As puberty began in earnest, she became even more withdrawn. We worried, we talked, we wondered.
When we learned of her trans identity, we were relieved to discover that her trauma and discomfort had a cause (gender dysphoria) that could be addressed with therapy and medical treatment. Professional evaluation, not a medical intervention, was our first step. With the help of other parents of transgender kids at PFLAG and other support groups, we found a doctor who specialized in medical care for transgender minors. Over email, the doctor reassured us that our child had the opportunity to receive excellent care—care that would conform to the most current research and medical norms—because of the many resources in the Atlanta area. We were directed to experienced therapists who specialize in carefully diagnosing gender dysphoria in young people.
Only after one of these therapists met with our daughter regularly for a couple of months did we have our consultation with the medical doctor. Our daughter was prescribed a pubertal suppressant, which was covered by our insurance. As her testosterone levels went down, her relief was visible. She would not grow facial hair. Her shoulders would not broaden. Her voice would not get any deeper. Because of this medical intervention, she would be able to avoid costly and painful treatments that many trans women who have experienced full male puberty undergo in order to successfully treat their gender dysphoria.
Our daughter subsequently started cross hormones and we saw her personality blossom. Before her transition, she was a “please don’t notice me” kid, hiding in the back of the classroom, trying (often unsuccessfully) to avoid bullies on the playground. As her body began to align more and more with her Self, she began to exhibit the wit, charm, and wisdom that had lain dormant. Appropriate medication--along with a great therapist and support at PFLAG, church, home, and school--has been a key to her thriving.
We had only been living in Georgia for about 6 months when our then 12-year-old child (assigned male at birth) told us she was trans. Our daughter had been displaying ever-increasing signs of depression and social anxiety for several years before she came out to us. As puberty began in earnest, she became even more withdrawn. We worried, we talked, we wondered.
When we learned of her trans identity, we were relieved to discover that her trauma and discomfort had a cause (gender dysphoria) that could be addressed with therapy and medical treatment. Professional evaluation, not a medical intervention, was our first step. With the help of other parents of transgender kids at PFLAG and other support groups, we found a doctor who specialized in medical care for transgender minors. Over email, the doctor reassured us that our child had the opportunity to receive excellent care—care that would conform to the most current research and medical norms—because of the many resources in the Atlanta area. We were directed to experienced therapists who specialize in carefully diagnosing gender dysphoria in young people.
Only after one of these therapists met with our daughter regularly for a couple of months did we have our consultation with the medical doctor. Our daughter was prescribed a pubertal suppressant, which was covered by our insurance. As her testosterone levels went down, her relief was visible. She would not grow facial hair. Her shoulders would not broaden. Her voice would not get any deeper. Because of this medical intervention, she would be able to avoid costly and painful treatments that many trans women who have experienced full male puberty undergo in order to successfully treat their gender dysphoria.
Our daughter subsequently started cross hormones and we saw her personality blossom. Before her transition, she was a “please don’t notice me” kid, hiding in the back of the classroom, trying (often unsuccessfully) to avoid bullies on the playground. As her body began to align more and more with her Self, she began to exhibit the wit, charm, and wisdom that had lain dormant. Appropriate medication--along with a great therapist and support at PFLAG, church, home, and school--has been a key to her thriving.
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