Chris

This is Chris. His mom is Mary. Chris is a 13 year old female to male transboy. He transitioned when he was 12. Here is an excerpt from a poem he wrote when he was 12:
“One day I will pass as a boy 100%, that day is a ways from now. But I will just have to wait until then, that will happen eventually and I will wait forever if I have to. I will go through anything just to be who I really am” – Chris, age 12

Here is part of a letter that his mom Mary sent to the teacher’s at Chris’s school when he came out:

“Chris started last year as “Grace” and “she”. I had thoughts over the years that he may be transgender as he always dressed in boys clothes and “acted”

Mary, Chris’s Mom

like a boy. BUT I as most people figured he was just a “tomboy.” I really thought thought that he might be transgender when at around 7 years old. He said “Mom, I am supposed to be a boy would you care if I had sex change surgery when I was older?” Of course it stunned me but I calmy said “No, I wouldn’t care. I love you no matter what” I must admit it scared the hell out of me because I worried about him. This seemed to appease him but over the years he privately struggled with it and became more and more withdrawn and depressed and I didn’t know why until last Sept. 24th 2010. On that day he came to me crying and suicidal. Chris said, “Mom, I am transgender. I am a boy. I can’t keep trying to be a girl. If I have too, I promise you I won’t live.” My heart sank and hurt for him. It was then we began our journey & continue on it. I have learned what real unconditional love is all about. I have a severe physical disability all of my life and people always told me how much courage I had BUT Chris has taught me the true meaning of courage just trying to be himself.” When he finally came out at school I asked him how it felt he said as a teenager only could. “Mom, it’s like when you really gotta pee then you pee. It’s a relief and he’s also said “It’s the best decision I have ever made mom.” I feel it was the best decision I made to not look back once and never did I consider forcing him to be a girl. I now realize he’s always been my son. The first week I cried and mourned who I thought was my daughter: Grace. I worried about how his life would be but I don’t now because ofpeople like you & your husband. I remember crying in bed the first day and Chris came up & hugged me and said “Mom, if this is going to hurt you this much I won’t do it, I’ll stay as a girl. I said “No way, you are doing this I’ll be fine but I wouldn’t ever expect you to look back.” He said “Thanks, mom and we’ll get you help too.” What a kid! I realized then he was my son and the same great kid I have always had. He’s happier now and so much more confident.

His advice for other kids who are struggling with gender identity issues:
I would tell them to not give up until they could be themselves. and just be true to themselves and dont be afraid of what others will think of them.