Mom, I'm Not A Girl: Raising a Transgender Child | Cosmopolitan

Summary

In an insightful conversation, Jod Patterson, a Brooklyn mother of five, reflects on her journey raising her transgender child, Penelope. From a young age, Penelope expresses his identity, challenging societal norms around gender. Jod shares her initial struggles with understanding and acceptance but emphasizes the importance of allowing her child to embrace his true self. With support from siblings and friends, Penelope navigates his identity confidently. Jod highlights the complexities of puberty for transgender children and advocates for the acceptance of happiness in all forms, ultimately showcasing a family's love and resilience in the face of societal challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jod Patterson describes her family dynamics, including the challenges of raising a transgender child.
• 🧒 Penelope, Jod's child, expresses his identity clearly from a very young age, demonstrating that understanding one's gender can emerge early in life.
• 🤔 Jod initially feels unprepared to support Penelope's identity, reflecting common parental challenges when navigating gender identity discussions.
• 👕 Jod emphasizes the importance of allowing Penelope to choose clothing from the boys' section, reinforcing acceptance and affirmation of his identity.
• 🛡️ Penelope's siblings and friends actively support him, showing the significance of camaraderie and protection in inclusive environments.
• 😟 Jod expresses anxiety about puberty for Penelope, highlighting societal pressures and expectations regarding gender presentation.
• 🔬 Jod raises concerns about the lack of research on medical interventions for transgender youth, pointing to a gap in knowledge and support.
• 🌱 Jod values organic living but struggles with the idea of hormone treatments, indicating the complexities of parenting a transgender child.
• 💪 Jod learns the importance of resilience, sharing that success often comes after overcoming failures.
• 😊 Jod concludes with a message about accepting happiness in various forms, encouraging openness to different expressions of joy.

Q & A

What challenges does Jod Patterson face as a parent of a transgender child?

Jod Patterson navigates challenges related to identity acceptance, societal perceptions of gender, and the emotional needs of her child, Penelope, who identifies as a boy.

How did Penelope express his gender identity at a young age?

Penelope expressed his gender identity at two years old by clearly stating, 'I am a boy,' indicating his discomfort with being perceived as a girl.

What was Jod's initial reaction when Penelope expressed his identity?

Jod felt ill-equipped and unsure about how to respond, reflecting on her upbringing and the societal expectations surrounding gender.

What does Jod believe about children's understanding of identity?

Jod believes that identity awareness can start at a very young age, as she compares her child’s realization to her own understanding of being a woman.

How does Jod support Penelope's gender expression?

Jod supports Penelope by allowing him to choose clothing from the boy section and encouraging him to express his identity freely.

What concerns does Jod have regarding puberty for Penelope?

Jod is anxious about the physical changes of puberty for a transgender boy, particularly the societal expectations and potential emotional distress related to these changes.

What does Jod mean by saying 'accept happiness in any form'?

Jod emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing happiness in whatever form it takes, rather than conforming to traditional expectations.

How do Penelope's siblings and friends support him?

Penelope’s siblings and friends protect and advocate for him by openly affirming his identity and explaining it to others in social situations.

What is Jod's perspective on societal change regarding gender identity?

Jod feels optimistic about societal change, believing that collective understanding is evolving toward acceptance of individual identities, especially in progressive environments like New York City.

What lessons has Jod learned from raising a transgender child?

Jod has learned the importance of resilience, stating that everyone faces challenges but must keep getting back up, and the need to accept happiness in its diverse forms.