“Mommy I’m a girl not a boy: How young is too young?”

Before I’d seen Datelines 20/20 episode “My Secret Self” I did not know of a disorder called GID. Gender Identity Disorder. This “disorder” is present from birth and it is classified as being born a particular sex, but identifying as the opposite sex. Growing up, I’ve heard so many things or diagnoses for people who did not feel like they were the right sex. The main term that comes to mind is homosexual or gay. As we continue to study various transgender classifications, it is very clear that automatically assuming that people who do not identify with their sex is gay or a homosexual is not only ignorant, but rude. The “symptoms” of GID are valid but I do not believe that they should classify these “symptoms” as a medical or psychological disorder. Not fitting into the gender roles of society is not a disorder, it is simply what it is: people not fitting into or agreeing with the gender roles made by society. That is NOT a mental illness. But I did appreciate how the special featured people who do not agree with their biologically designated gender when that topic is still such an extremely controversial subject. Hearing these kids’ testimonies shed light on transgender through an innocent approach. The children featured in the special were described to have extremely strong feelings as early as age two about basically being in the wrong body. Little boys wanted to wear dresses and little girls longed for a penis. Mothers and fathers were concerned and took their children to specialists. After their children were diagnosed, the parents decided to raise their child according to the gender their child self identified with. Is this good-parenting? Or is this a down right shame?

I commend the children and the parents of these individuals “suffering from GID” who have taken the necessary steps to properly raise their child. To be subject to ridicule and misunderstanding, and to still openly share their story with the world was brave to say the least.

But, lets face it, most people you see living life as the opposite gender are older and have made a mature, conscience decision that “this is the life I choose to live. This is me. I accept the consequences that may go along with this decision.” There are countless numbers of LGBT violence cases discussed about on the news. People can be so hateful that they take violent action against individuals who are simply unique. LGBT individuals are often teased at school. This teasing sometimes leads to suicide and maybe even homicide. LGBT are unfortunately at times looked at as freak shows. Walking down the street, they often get sideways glances as if they have a “stare at me” sign stamped across their foreheads. There are so many people who just do not understand the complexities of transgender (along with lesbian, gay, or bisexual) individuals and this misunderstanding can ultimately lead to a very difficult, maybe even problematic lifestyle for LGBT individuals. Can a six year old who feels that God has made a mistake on their genitalia make the decision to live life as the opposite sex?

Before you answer that question take a look at this clip from the "My Secret Self" 20/20 Dateline special.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8F9CaPyQz8&feature=player_embedded

I really can’t say for sure but it sounds to me that this six year old biological little boy, self-identifying beautiful little girl, has a pretty good idea of how unenlightened the world is and how that unenlightened world will portray her and her lifestyle.

Questions for thought:

1) What would you do if you were in the shoes of these parents?

2) Do you think GID is a legitimate disorder?