I instantly recognized Lexi Johnson’s flawlessly made-up face when I saw her video trending in my newsfeed recently. She’s a favorite among my sister and around 12 million other fans as the beauty guru LexiGlow. The headline announced that she had shared a personal video coming out as transgender. My initial instinct was to ensure the comments were kind and supportive, so I quickly scrolled down to check for any negativity that might need addressing.
Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of comments were filled with love and encouragement, which put my worries to rest (for now). Clearly, Johnson’s devoted fanbase continues to support her, regardless of her being assigned male at birth.
However, what’s troubling is that Johnson’s coming out was not entirely by her own choice; she faced the horrendous experience of being blackmailed. This is utterly unacceptable. No one deserves to feel pressured into sharing their story. Representation is vital, and Johnson bravely reclaimed her narrative, but it should never have come to this. Every transgender individual has the right to decide when and how to share their story without feeling coerced.
Despite the circumstances, Johnson chose to share her journey, and millions tuned in, feeling an overwhelming surge of admiration and support. Watching her video, I couldn’t help but marvel at her confidence and composure. Unlike many narratives often shared by transgender individuals, Johnson’s story stood out because she transitioned at a young age with significant support from her community. Although she faced some teasing, her mother, teachers, and most of her peers were incredibly supportive, allowing her to embrace her true self.
Lexi Johnson exemplifies why it is crucial for parents to affirm their transgender children’s identities. From an early age, her mother recognized her as a girl, which enabled Johnson to access necessary medical treatments and live authentically. She expressed gratitude towards her mother, stating, “Growing up, I think the number one thing I’m most thankful for is my mom… She has always supported and accepted me, and that is everything a kid needs.”
Johnson’s mother is indeed a hero, making the right choice. A growing body of medical research supports that gender affirmation is the most effective treatment for transgender youth. Recent studies, which have finally included transgender adolescents and young adults who were allowed to transition socially early on, show they experience no significant difference in depression levels compared to their cisgender peers, with only a slight increase in anxiety.
These studies were previously hindered by a lack of participants willing to share their experiences due to the stigma surrounding transgender identities. However, as more parents embrace and affirm their transgender children, it becomes increasingly clear that this support is essential for their well-being.
Sadly, misinformation, fear, and deep-seated bigotry still cloud this conversation. Lawmakers in states like South Dakota, Alaska, and Georgia have introduced legislation to block access to medical treatments for transgender youth. Ironically, these bills often carry titles like “Vulnerable Child Protection Act,” suggesting a concern for transgender children that is, in reality, unfounded. Transgender youth who lack support are at a significantly higher risk for anxiety, depression, and suicide, attempting it at double the rates of their LGB peers.
Critics of gender-affirming healthcare often argue against surgeries for children. But it’s important to clarify that surgeries are not the first step for transgender kids. As Johnson explained in her video, the initial affirming treatment involves allowing a child to express their gender identity through reversible means such as clothing, hair, and names. Following this, puberty blockers can be prescribed to pause puberty and help alleviate gender dysphoria. The Mayo Clinic notes that this approach allows time to assess whether a child’s gender identity is enduring. If treatment is halted, puberty resumes naturally. Permanent surgical interventions are only considered well into the teenage years after years of living as their identified gender.
It’s misleading to suggest that transitioning causes depression or suicidal thoughts. Research indicates that it’s the discrimination and rejection faced by transgender individuals that negatively impacts their mental health.
While we still have a long way to go, more parents are now vocal advocates for their transgender children, fighting for access to essential healthcare and the right to live authentically. Influential figures like Jazz Jennings and dedicated parents like Tara Lee, who is championing her trans son’s rights, are helping shift perceptions. With Lexi Johnson adding her voice to this vital conversation, it’s imperative that we all speak up in support of these children. Every child deserves the same unconditional love and affirmation that Johnson received, so they can thrive with confidence and self-acceptance.
To learn more about supporting trans youth, check out this insightful resource on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, for further information on family planning, be sure to visit this authority on the subject: Family Planning Authority.
In summary, Lexi Johnson’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting transgender children from an early age. By fostering an environment of acceptance and love, we can help them grow into confident individuals.