It’s hard to believe, but things are better now, right? That’s the sentiment I keep hearing since the conclusion of Texas’s 87th legislative session, which saw an alarming number of bills aimed at transgender children. I have fought for my trans daughter’s rights before, but never so publicly as in 2021. When all thirteen anti-trans bills ultimately failed, friends and allies expressed their relief. Yet, trans kids and their families are still not free from harm.
Governor Richardson’s special session has placed my nine-year-old’s life in the spotlight once again. Senate Bill 29, which prevents transgender youth from participating in school sports teams aligned with their gender identity, has resurfaced. As primary challengers scrutinize the governor’s conservatism, he’s also announced plans to prohibit gender-affirming medical care to curry favor with far-right voters, despite these measures contradicting established medical guidelines.
But you’re fine now, my parents say. My mother’s tone is casual and dismissive, not grasping the growing concern that it could soon be too dangerous for my daughter and our family to remain in Texas. My father, however, understands the gravity of the situation and voices a new worry: If my daughter relocates, who will take care of her mother and me?
My parents were not always on board with our choice to affirm our child’s gender. They are conservative Christians and lifelong Republicans. I was nervous about revealing my daughter’s transgender identity to them, but I underestimated their capacity for love. The fear of losing a child is an incredible motivator. My parents don’t want their grandchild to revert to the anxious, withdrawn child she was before my husband and I supported her social transition. They are also keen to protect her from becoming another statistic of bullying, self-harm, or worse.
“They wouldn’t really pass those bills,” my mom insists. “If they do, Biden will nullify them.” Relying solely on federal intervention, however, neglects the responsibility Texans have to foster meaningful change. The real challenge lies in changing the minds and votes of Texans who either support or turn a blind eye to politicians spreading misinformation.
As a parent, it’s tempting to dismiss the threat of misleading information. Imagining a scenario where my child is barred from participating in standard school activities or denied crucial gender-affirming medical care—which is recognized as life-saving by all major medical organizations—can be overwhelming. But if we refuse to acknowledge the reality that anti-trans legislation could succeed (and nearly did), it will undoubtedly resurface in the future.
We don’t need to abandon our roots to embrace the future. My parents have not renounced their political party or faith. They are Republicans, Christians, and supporters of the LGBTQ community simultaneously. Their shift in perspective on transgender rights illustrates that when people engage meaningfully with a transgender child, they begin to see the truth: these are the same beloved children they’ve always known. As they witnessed their grandchild’s social transition, they too transitioned into understanding, becoming some of my daughter’s staunchest advocates. Would they have rallied their representatives and encouraged their friends to do the same during this legislative session if their grandchild wasn’t trans? Absolutely not. But when you see a child’s face light up at the use of the correct pronoun, it’s clear that trans kids deserve equal treatment.
Interestingly, some of the most passionate advocates for trans youth are independents and religious conservatives. Unlike the legislators pushing anti-trans bills, these supporters truly listen to trans individuals and recognize that faith and the LGBTQ community can coexist harmoniously.
Regardless of our political differences, our shared goal is the well-being of children in Texas. I’ve observed other families undergo similar transformations of understanding and acceptance, and I am confident that parents from all backgrounds can learn, grow, and stand up for the transgender child they love.
There aren’t enough transgender individuals and families to combat discriminatory laws alone. We need cisgender allies and the LGBTQIA+ community to heed the voices of experts—trans youth, their parents, and healthcare providers—and advocate for the welfare of trans children. Remember, we all want what’s best for our kids.
So, no, we are not okay. We hold onto hope, but we cannot do it alone.
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Summary: This article discusses the journey of a conservative family coming to accept and support their transgender daughter amidst a backdrop of anti-trans legislation in Texas. It emphasizes the importance of understanding, love, and advocacy for trans youth, calling for broader support from allies and the community.