Sam Dick’s article deeply resonated with me as a parent (A moment that changed me: I was 16, gay and bullied for it. Then my father wrote to the Guardian …, 5 March). I’ve had a similar experience in the last two years, in that one of my adult children has come out as a trans woman.
My husband and I made every effort to wholeheartedly support our daughter from the outset but, like Sam’s mum, I too had my fears about how hard life would be for her. Transphobia is rife now, in the same way that homophobia was 20 years ago. It seems that the parallels with that situation are now ignored, as again our society finds ways to “other” people for being different, and looks for reasons to vilify them.
Despite all this, I’m less worried about my daughter now. The last two years of being out have given her a confidence and a zest for life that I hadn’t seen in her since she was a small child. She’s more settled socially, and excelling at university.
To say I’m proud is an understatement. For anyone to be willing to come out as trans at this particular time, when trans intolerance is so prevalent and hatred is splashed across every platform, is the epitome of courage.
Shakespeare wrote: “This above all, to thine own self be true.” Having the courage to do that, to live true to yourself and to be open about it, especially at this time, is worthy of all the love and respect we can muster.
Rachael Stevenson
Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester
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