Quote:
Originally Posted by key
Language is an inherently limited tool to explain our world, ourselves and each other. But, it's what we got.
I am of a couple (or more) minds in regards to stories like this one. And I know that one news story can not explain every little aspect to the story it is trying to report.
But I think about what I would do in this situation.....and....honestly, I am not sure I would allow my child (under a certain age) to define their gender for themselves. I realize that by posting this I am risking igniting a powder keg in here. But I do that sometimes, take these risks for the sake of discussion.
So, to further explain myself.
I think I would exhaust all attempts to explain gender (body parts) and preferences (personality traits) and to explain that our society labels us according to the body parts, period, right or wrong. I would go on to explain that when the child is old enough, they can decide to change those body parts or even define themselves differently without changing anything physically, but until then, we will have to go with the body parts definition.
And this is where I wish there could be an in between pronoun, but there isn't.
And before I get too roughed up as a reaction to this post, please hear me when I say:
I told my mother I was going to grow up to be a boy. And in first grade I signed some of my school work "Tony" (just found these papers recently - what a revelation).
I think gender as a binary experience is the problem. The claiming of one gender excluding the claiming of the other is the problem. Not whether a child believes they are one or the other.
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This is a very good point. One that I am sure any parent would have to consider under similar circumstances. As a mother I know that my children mature at different levels, because of this I believe that their maturity, more then their physical age would guide my choices. By all accounts this child is mature beyond his years. He has not only stated his intentions but is politically aware. I too would chose to explain all the realities and connotations of his actions before I would agree to back his decision, but in the end, I support my children one hundred percent. I would like to think that I would do the same thing. Support his choice of gender the same way I would support his choice of religion, friends, or clothing. I believe in educated decisions, but I also believe in making decisions for themselves early on.