2020 is about to end and despite all the heartbreaking moments it has been taking us through, the past 12 months have brought a few that put a smile on our faces too. This viral story is about one of them.
Just before Christmas, writer Amanda Mancino-Williams turned to Twitter to share the wholesome booklet her 13-year-old made for her. "Got a note from my 13yo tonight, under the door, like they always did when there was something important to say," she wrote.
The pages included drawings of a "dot-er," intended as a pun for the word "daughter," and a sun, a pun for the word "son."
The little one explained, "I was originally expected to be an artist who specialized in pointillism, but I have discovered that being a ball of gas suits me better."
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Gender nonconformity, defined as having a gender expression that is perceived to be inconsistent with gender norms expected for an individual’s sex, is not uncommon in children. A study of gender-atypical behavior (one aspect of gender nonconformity) among elementary school children found that approximately 23% of boys and 39% of girls displayed multiple gender-atypical behaviors.
Gender nonconformity exists on a spectrum; some children displaying less and some children displaying more of it.
Family acceptance is very important to transgender youth. A 2013 survey revealed that 4 in 10 LGBTQ adults say they were rejected by a family member or close friend at some point in their lives and as a result, LGBTQ youth are more prone to homelessness than their peers.
The mother was really proud to receive the booklet
Trans-identified and nongender youth can even be misunderstood by lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. Youths who identify as trans frequently have to explain their identity to them as well as to straight people, said Katherine Newman, a former LGBTQ program specialist.
"Often, trans-identified youth are in a position where they constantly have to educate people about what ‘trans’ means," Newman explained. "They essentially have to justify themselves."
Studies suggest that children who are supported and affirmed in their transitions are just as mentally healthy as their cisgender peers.
As her tweets were going viral, people were sending the family their best wishes
Here are just a few responses the thread has received
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