Transgender 9-Year-Old Advocates For Other Children Like Him | NBC Nightly News

Summary

The video tells the story of Jacob LeMay, a transgender boy who transitioned at a young age with the support of his parents. It highlights his journey of self-discovery, his family's advocacy for transgender rights, and the challenges faced by transgender children. Jacob's mother shares insights on their experiences, emphasizing the importance of support for transgender kids. Jacob himself discusses how transitioning helped him embrace his true identity, and his efforts to raise awareness and help others. The family advocates for improved rights and acceptance for transgender people in society.

Takeaways

• 🦔 A casual conversation starts with a mention of a hedgehog, introducing the light-hearted tone of the beginning.
• 👦 Jakob LeMay, a nine-year-old transgender boy, shares that he enjoys activities like riding his bike and playing hockey.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Jakob transitioned socially at a young age, changing his name and appearance with the support of his parents.
• 💔 His mother recalls his struggles with his body and his desire to be a boy, which led to the family supporting his transition.
• ✨ A trip to Disney World was a turning point, as Jakob fully embraced his identity while dressed as Prince Charming.
• 📚 Jakob’s mother, Minnie, authored a book, detailing both her and Jakob’s journeys as advocates for transgender rights.
• ❤️ Jakob is now happy, empathetic, and thriving, though he continues to be introspective about his transition.
• 🏫 Jakob’s schoolmates accept him for who he is, demonstrating that children often adapt more easily to these situations than adults.
• 🌍 The family advocates for nationwide protections for transgender rights, stressing that the current state policies vary widely.
• 🛑 Jakob recently chose to delay puberty through a hormone blocker, a medically endorsed, reversible step, allowing him more time to make decisions about his future.

Q & A

Who is Jakob LeMay, and what is his story?

Jakob LeMay is a nine-year-old transgender boy who transitioned at the age of four. His story focuses on his journey through transitioning with the support of his parents, and how he has embraced his identity.

How did Jakob's parents support him during his transition?

Jakob's parents, Minnie and Joe, supported his transition by helping him change his name and appearance. They allowed him to live as a boy, which made him happier and more comfortable with himself.

What was the turning point for Jakob and his parents in understanding his identity?

The turning point came during a trip to Disney World, where Jakob, dressed as Prince Charming, was frequently complimented on his appearance as a boy. This experience made it clear to both Jakob and his parents that he wanted to live as a boy permanently.

How does Jakob feel about being transgender?

Jakob expresses pride in being a boy and explains that being transgender means feeling like you're in the wrong body, which has nothing to do with how you act or what you wear.

How do other children react to Jakob's transition?

According to Jakob’s mom, other kids generally don’t find his transgender identity to be a big issue. Adults seem to have more trouble understanding it than children do.

What medical steps have Jakob's family taken as part of his transition?

Jakob has had a hormone blocker inserted in his arm to delay puberty, which is a fully reversible medical step. This gives Jakob and his family more time to make decisions about his future.

How has Jakob's personal growth been since his transition?

Jakob is described as a happy and empathetic child who is confident in his identity. His mom mentions that he has become more comfortable in his own skin and has even started advocating for transgender rights.

What role does advocacy play in Jakob and his family’s lives?

The LeMay family is now active in advocating for transgender rights, including fighting for policies that protect LGBTQ people across different states in the U.S.

What message does Jakob’s mom want to convey to other parents of transgender children?

She wants parents to understand that supporting their child is crucial, and that it's okay to feel confused or worried. The key is to ensure the child feels loved and accepted.

What concerns does Jakob’s mom have for his future?

Although Jakob’s mom is supportive, she worries about the world’s reaction to her son as he grows older, especially since not all environments are accepting of transgender individuals. She continues to fight for a more inclusive and accepting society.