In a controversial move the family of a seven-year old have decided to embrace puberty-blocking treatment to ease transitioning to become a boy. Born physically a girl, the child has been raised as a boy. "He did start wearing boys' clothes when he was about three, and down to the underwear," said the child's father. "It never really became apparent to us that he may be anything other than a tomboy until he turned round to us and said, 'I want to die'," says the child's mother. Georgina Beyer, the world's first transgender MP, says she is concerned that the child will have medical intervention at a time "when they have little to do with the decision making." She cites the experience of intersex people who, as adults, have deeply regretted intervention at an early age. However, transgender activist Andy Guy supports the parents' decision. "I think this family is doing a very good job to support their child in an environment that is going to challenge them immensely," he said.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 7th October 2013 - 6:31am