Barbara Walters interview with transgender children makes waves
Kim on Apr 30th 2007
On Friday night, I caught part of the much talked about 20/20 Barbara Walters interview with transgender children. Overall, I was impressed with the program and its portrayal of transgender youth and their families. In a time when legislation about gender identity and expression is being considered in a number of states, this kind of visibility is vital. I hope this show cleared up some of the misconceptions around gender identity and helped change the hearts and minds of the people who viewed it. If nothing else, it has definitely sparked an important dialogue.
Here are a few of the more than 50 comments we’ve gotten in response to our initial post about the episode:
I believe that knowledge is power. The information provided in Barbara Walter’s report on the issue of transgendered children was insightful and finally puts this sensitive issue into popular discussion.” - Bob
As the parent of a transgendered child who elected two months ago to end her life rather than continue with the abuse and embarresment from a “whollier-than-thou” self righteous “Christian” society, I was profoundly moved by Ms. Walters documentary. Ms. Walters captured the essence of the excrutiating pain that not only befalls the parent, but more importantly, the child.” - David and Linda
Even before I begin, let me say that I am that 5 year old child who is transgendered. Only that was 50 years ago and times were different then and gender stereotypes were different then too. So I am an expert on what happens throughout ones life when sexual reorientation “doesn’t” happen. I spent the last 24 hours since the broadcast thinking how very lucky those children are who have parents that will encourage and support their childs sexual direction.” - Daisy
Let us know what you think.
Filed in general |
I too was immersed in tears as I listened and watched Barbara Walter’s program on transgendered children. Among the most compelling was little Jeremy who wanted to hurt himself for what the world had done to him and my little hero, Riley, who at three was mad at God for what he’d done to him. At such a young age, they profoundly yearn for acceptance and for equality. The sadden look on their tiny faces clearly paints a vivid picture in their pain and of the heavy burden on their shoulders. Their stories, like many before them, pleads for a richer, more diverse, more compassionate culture towards self-expression and self-actualiztion. Oddly enough, clinicly they are diagnosed “transgendered” but I can’t come to terms with the label “disorder”. Perhaps for the sake of a diagnosis, however, none of this would be if humanity was minus the enormous prejudices, bigotry and hated in the first place! Yes, why can’t we just love them for who they are? May God bless Jeremy and Riley and the many they represent. May God give them the strength and the courage in their plight. Perhaps this program may have opened up minds towards a better understanding. And for Jeremy and Riley, a giant leep in humanity. Let us pray.
As one who grew up with this powerful emotion of I am a ‘girl in a boys body’ I sympathise and support the new enlightenment. My mother knew but ‘we don’t talk about these things dear’. I was encouraged to join amateur theatre groups instead - taking all the scout show parts for a girl. By 12 my emotional turmoil sent me into a depression which ruined my school career. As I emerged at 16 I knew I was not gay as did my many girl friends who I yearned to emulate. I crossdressed in secret as a compromise. I married. Had four lovely children and then innevitably was ‘found out’ to my dear wifes horror that led after her spending many years to come to terms with it, to divorce. By miraculous good fortune I found my my very dear soul mate who is very relaxed about my ‘unusual ways’ but led me away from the operation when we were both in our late 50’s. She is my wife now. At 70 I look back and wonder at what might have been. There is no rewinding of our clocks. Would I be any better off now as a ‘real’ woman? I honestly will never know but I do know that we must spare these children the agonies that I and many others endured.