04-05-2023, 10:57 PM
(04-05-2023, 12:29 PM)Lilith7 Wrote: While I don't know a lot about transgender people, I strongly doubt that its in any way a 'lifestyle choice' & I can recall some referring to gay people using that term in earlier times as a means of diminishing them & pretending it was something they'd deliberately chosen rather than having been born attracted to the same gender, exactly as the rest of us are born attracted to the opposite gender.
I can also understand that surgery would be something transgender people would require at some point; but the huge problems we're having with our health system now isn't something likely to be overcome quickly so for those like your son are fortunate to be able to afford it themselves, Tink and Tiff.
One of the hardest parts of being a parent is having to see our children suffer through something which we want to fix & can't.
Oh, it is soooo not a "lifestyle choice", believe me. I too remember the days when being gay was something that had to be hidden.
Why would anyone choose to put themselves through the trauma, outward signs of hatred from some in society that are uneducated on the subject, derision and outright discrimination that many transgender people are shown?
We are not wealthy people. But he worked so hard and saved so hard to be able to have the necessary surgery, and I helped out with some money I had aside for retirement. He has always known he is very much loved, regardless of his gender identity, and whilst I didn't think he would ever hurt himself. ...but given our shocking youth suicide rates, why risk it by not supporting him in his decision. I am so glad we did, as he is truly flying and destined for great things.