The first time I heard of a trans person in my own world, she had just been elected as the president of the student council at our son's high school. I thought, "Oh, that's interesting. Good for her."
The next time I encountered a transkid was when I was away on a trip, and got an urgent email from one of the other leaders of the Scout section (Beavers, kids ages 5-7) of which I was the key leader. Seems that one of the youth had come out as her over Christmas break. They wanted to know what to do as this was the first time our Scout Group had experienced this. I was the most experienced leader in the Group, as well as the section leader of the Beaver Colony.
I thought about it, discussed it with Lady Jay (my wife), then emailed back: since we accept both boys and girls in (Canadian) Scouting, what's the problem?
The kids accepted her immediately. It took the leaders a little longer, but other than the fact that she was not always well-behaved (like any other kid), that was the end of the discussion.
I chatted with her mum when we got back, and asked how she was getting on at school. Her mother said she was having problems – with the principal, not the kids – and appreciated that our Scout Group had accepted her. I shrugged and just said that was the ideal of Scouting. Everyone is accepted where they are, and for what they can do. The fact that it doesn't always work out that way in Scouting does not detract from the principle.
When we moved to our new (current) community, we knew that one of our new neighbours is trans. She's a very fine musician, and we've helped, with other members of the community, sponsor her for a prestigious music program. It's a pleasure to hear her perform.
My point isn't what a great people we are. It's just that, given a chance, a trans person is just that – a person.
More power to them.
