https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/pediatricians-group-recommends-affirmative-care-transgender-youth-n910451
The American Academy of Pediatrics put out a statement that supports and suggests children to be "free to develop and explore their gender". This is their first statement that has to do with TGD youth, (transgender and gender-diverse). The AAP was not making a change to their beliefs with this statement, but instead bringing their policies up to date. They have taken into consideration the study of kids needing to grow up in nurturing environments and it made the decision an easy one. The AAP wants the policy to help TGD youths have lower risks of depression, suicide, anxiety, alcohol or drug use and eating disorders. The policy is also made to help parents and to encourage referring to being transgender as something that isn't uncommon and not a mental health issue.
This is an extremely current issue, seeing the article was published September 17, but also because we have been hearing about unjust treatment of the transgender community for a long time. This one the other hand is something that is good news for one. The fight for transgender and gender-diverse youth in America is something that has always been relevant, but in a time when many officials in power believe that they shouldn't be allowed to do such things as be in the military or use their bathroom of choice, we can simply not ignore it. This article may seem like a small piece of news, but in reality the AAP's support of TGD youths is important. The readers are presumably those that believe in LGBTQ rights and will take this as a solid step. Unfortunately, alike to many, this article is not being read by those who truly need to alter their mindset on those who are transgender. Parents of transgender and gender-diverse kids need to read this article and understand that just like all other kids they're children need to grow up in an accepting and safe environment. If the doctors say they support them and their self care, the parents should too. The issue of people identifying being transgender as a health disorder can be related back to the colonists' treatment of the Native Americans and how they felt the need to convert them to Christianity and "help" them because they were heathens; they did not need helping and a new identity, they just needed acceptance for who they were... sound familiar?
I agree with this that they shouldn’t try to change them or shame they for who they are and just accept them for them.
ReplyDeleteThis is so important, especially now that America, and the world as a whole, has come so far with acceptance. However, like it was stated in the post, acceptance still needs to be spread among parents and politicians. Hopefully as time goes on (but not too much time) we will learn to respect one another as everyone deserves.
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