I wrote a guest blog for Dr. Kelley Winters' site, commenting on Dr. Drescher's letter to the New York Times and the importance of transsexual children being able to socially transition at a young age. Written from my perspective as a mother, it offers some different insights into the issue. Check it out href = http://gidreform.wordpress.com/2013/07/10/response-to-dr-jack-drescher-and-the-new-york-times-about-childhood-transition-part-5-guest-blog/>here. Read More
In the print edition of the June 30 the New York Times, published a letter by Dr. Jack Drescher with the headline Sunday Dialogue: Our Notions of Gender. In the letter, Dr. Drescher comments on Coy Mathis and the Colorado Division of Civil Rights' decision to allow her to use the girls restroom in school. He continues with comments about gender dysphoric children and possible therapies for them.
His letter has prompted numerous responses both in the NYT and on websites and blogs. I found Dr. Kelley Winter's blog GID Reform Weblog full of interesting information and comment.
I stand with those who advocate allowing children to transition socially, giving them to opportunity to grow up as the person they know themselves to be. I applaud the Colorado Civil Rights Division decision. The California legislature's recent passing of a bill allowing students K-12 to use the restroom that matches their gender identity and presentation is also a step in the right direction. This bill also allows students to participate in sports and use locker rooms aligned with their gender identity Read More
Using a public restroom has never been a problem for me. I looked for the "woman" sign, in its various depictions, and walked right in. No thought. But that is not true for all of us.
I have accompanied transsexual women to retail stores, movies, and other public places where the dilemma of which bathroom to use causes a lot of stress. Going into the men's bathroom dressed as a woman was unthinkable. Entering the women's bathroom had its own problems. How would people look at them? Would they be rude or worse? We've heard horror stories of transswomen being abused for using the women's restroom.
If adult women feel pressure, imagine the confusion and stress felt by students deciding which bathroom to use at school.
So, California's passing AB1266 is a step in the right direction.Read more hereThe bill allows students K-12 to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, not necessarily their physical body parts. The bill also permits students to participate in gendered sports and the appropriate locker rooms. Read More