I have a few things I need to say.
Over the last few months I have become increasingly aware of some family and friends who don't agree with us letting Chandler transition. I started realizing I hadn't seen any Facebook posts from certain family members. When I went to their pages to see what was happening I found that they had unfriended me. I have also noticed that some people I thought I was close with are now avoiding me and not communicating at all. I also have friends and family on Facebook who still follow me and vice versa who make comments and post articles that are ignorant and hateful. I have tried to be thoughtful toward my family and friends who don't agree with the way we have handled Chandler.I don't feel I have been an activist or overly pushy with my personal views. I have simply posted about our life like any other family. In an effort to maintain a normal life. I have mostly avoided commenting on things that were hurtful and disturbing to me. Guess What. That is all about to change. I am a fierce mother. A mother with 3 children that I will fight for. Children that I want to feel loved and accepted no matter what. If you continue to post hate filled articles on issues you have no personal understanding of, expect that I WILL SPEAK MY MIND. If this continues I will probably hide your feed as well. This does not mean I don't love you. We may just disagree, but I can't keep allowing these negative opinions to bombard me everyday without fighting for the world I want my children to grow up in. If one more person makes a reference to transgender people being mentally ill I might go crazy. If you had met my child or many of our friends you would know that most of us were aware from the time they were young that they did not conform to society's standards. You would also know that for many of them serious depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide were also a part of their life until they transitioned and became who they were meant to be. Being true to themselves makes them the happiest, most beautiful people I have ever met.
Most of our family and friends have been loving and understanding, but we have some immediate family and close friends who seem to be having a particularly difficult time. For the most part, I think they are avoiding contact because it is uncomfortable for them. We understand that Chandler's transition takes some adjusting, but our children are our top priority and we need to look after their well-being.Being born LGBTQ is a way a person feels on the inside to the deepest core of their being. It is not like LGBTQ people did not have a choice being born this way. We hope those who are having a particularly difficult time will be able to find a way to be comfortable with us soon. We love you and when you are ready we will be here.
I love you all. I know that only a few people read my blog and that is mostly from Facebook links. I don't have a ton of Facebook friends so know that if you are one of them I respect and care for you. I need that same love and respect back. I am not asking everyone to change all of their opinions. Just to be loving and respectful. If you are not gay you cannot possibly understand what it feels like to be. If you are not transgender you cannot possibly understand the trials and turmoil this puts them through.
You have now been warned. If you post something I find ridiculous or hate filled on these topics that touch me personally, I will breath my Momma Dragon fire down your Facebook feed.
You mama tiger it up girl. And if you need support or want me to chew out anyone's butt for you because you just don't have the strength that day you let me know.
ReplyDeleteYou mama tiger it up girl. And if you need support or want me to chew out anyone's butt for you because you just don't have the strength that day you let me know.
ReplyDeleteGo Jo!!! I'm totally with you. And I think your kids should express themselves the way they want - all the time. People can be uncomfortable and what not - but that's on them. Not on you. Let me know if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteMama bear protecting her cubs...I LOVE IT!! I'm sorry you've been having to deal with so much opposition. Just know that I love you guys so much and I'm totally here for you. Just remember it's not everyone that feels that way so try and cling to the love and support and then forget the rest.
ReplyDeleteLove, support and respect the whole you Jo! Thank you for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteSending you virtual love, hugs, and dark chocolate!
ReplyDeleteSending you virtual love, hugs, and dark chocolate!
ReplyDelete