FULL STORY: Gender Identity

Summary

The video highlights the journey of two 10-year-old transgender girls, Tracy and Harriet, who were born male but identify as female. It explores their struggles for acceptance in their schools, families, and communities. The documentary delves into the emotional challenges they face, including bullying and the resistance from religious institutions. It also covers the legal battles their families undertake to secure their rights, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and understanding for transgender children in society.

Takeaways

• 👧 Two 10-year-olds, Tracy and Harriet, were born as boys but identify as girls, sparking a debate with schools and the government.
• 🏫 Tracy and Harriet’s parents support them, but their journey has been filled with challenges, including opposition from schools and religious institutions.
• 💔 Tracy's Catholic school would not allow her to use her chosen name or dress in a way that aligns with her gender identity, prompting her family to pull her out of the school.
• 🎂 Tracy transitioned 18 months ago and even celebrated with a rebirthday party, but she still faces taunts and teasing from peers.
• 💪 Harriet, who legally changed her name and presents as female, also struggles with bullying and exclusion from friends but remains strong and confident in her identity.
• 💡 The families have filed human rights complaints, seeking acceptance and change in schools and the government to recognize their daughters' gender identities.
• 🏥 Dr. Wallace Wong, a psychologist specializing in transgender children, explains that gender identity develops around age three and that mismatches can lead to emotional distress if not supported.
• ⚖️ The Catholic Church believes sex and gender are the same, which conflicts with the transgender community's push for acceptance, especially in religious schools.
• 💔 Both families hope for compassion and understanding, highlighting the emotional and psychological impact of being denied their gender identities in school settings.
• 🌈 Despite the challenges, Tracy's mom reassures her that being transgender makes her special and that their fight for acceptance will continue.

Q & A

Who are Tracy Wilson and Harriet Cunningham?

Tracy Wilson and Harriet Cunningham are two 10-year-olds who were born as boys but identify as girls. They are the central figures in the debate around transgender children's rights.

What challenges have Tracy and Harriet faced regarding their gender identity?

Both Tracy and Harriet have faced challenges from schools, the government, and society, including resistance to accepting their chosen identities. They have experienced teasing, bullying, and lack of acceptance from religious and educational institutions.

How did Tracy's parents react when they first noticed signs of her identifying as a girl?

Tracy’s parents, Michelle and Garfield, initially struggled with their child's gender expression. Garfield, in particular, was uncomfortable when Trey (Tracy’s birth name) wanted to wear dresses and feminine clothing. Over time, they embraced Tracy's identity.

What did Dr. Wallace Wong say about gender identity in children?

Dr. Wallace Wong, a psychologist specializing in transgender children, explained that while a child's biological sex is determined at birth, gender identity develops around the age of three. He mentioned that mismatched sex and gender is often mistaken for homosexual behavior, but it is a gender identity issue.

What are the mental health risks faced by transgender youth according to Dr. Wong?

Dr. Wong pointed out that transgender youth face a high risk of emotional pain, which can lead to self-harm and suicidal behavior. In fact, 40% of transgender youth attempt suicide.

What was the response of the Catholic school to Tracy’s transition?

The Catholic school Tracy attended refused to acknowledge her new gender identity. They would not call her by her chosen name, refer to her as ‘she,’ or allow her to wear the girls' uniform.

How has Harriet Cunningham's family responded to her transition?

Harriet’s family, especially her grandmother Kathy Dickens, has been supportive. They have even started a campaign to remove gender markers from birth certificates and passports to help Harriet be recognized as a girl.

What legal action have both families taken?

Both the Wilson and Cunningham families have filed human rights complaints. Tracy's family sued the Catholic school for discrimination, while Harriet's family filed a complaint against the BC government for assigning a male gender to Harriet at birth.

What was the significance of Harriet's blue dress?

The blue dress became a symbol of Harriet's transition. During a grade 2 Christmas concert, she wore the dress, which helped her father Colin realize that his son was actually his daughter. It represented Harriet’s desire to express her true self.

How have Tracy and Harriet's social lives been affected by their transitions?

Both girls have struggled socially since their transitions. Tracy lost many friends after switching schools and no longer gets invited to social events. Harriet also faced teasing and rejection from peers, with only one birthday party invitation in grade 4.