A: I cannot speak for everyone, but I am a transgendered woman and know a bit about what it means to be born and raised a different gender than what I feel inside. 

Probably ever since I was very young, maybe five or six years old, I felt that I was a girl. I identified more with playing with dolls and wanting to wear women’s clothing. 

I learned very early what was expected of me as a boy—like I’m not supposed to cry or be scared, I should wear “boy” clothes and that everything is a competition—that's some of the boyish stuff that was either flat out said to me or I learned by watching and mimicking. 

A lot of my life, up until I achieved freedom and independence, was like playing a role in a movie. I felt very lifeless and dead inside until I was able to become who I knew I was. 

So I totally understand that as a parent— or for that matter, anyone who is stricken with so much societal pressure to conform to these very rigid moulds—how hard it is to think outside of the boxes we are handed through media, church and community. 

My advice would be to love them and accept them for who they are. Acceptance and love play a pivotal role in the development of a human being. 

Sekani Dakelth (pictured above)

Coordinator, Megaphone Speakers Bureau

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