Becoming Me (Full Episode)

[@dconnell8986]

To the Parents of these kids: You are amazing parents!! More parents and people need to be and think like you. We all need to go through life with open eyes and open hearts.

[@Alleycat938]

Watching this 9 years later and wondering how these great kids are doing!

[@a.m.gutierrez]

My boyfriend is transgender and his family is not supportive at all. Thank you so much for this video. After seeing someone I love being misunderstood, this video restores some of my faith in humanity.

[@lalababette]

I'm so glad that they included gender non-conforming youth and that they didn't present the audience with the birth-names of the children except for in the case of those that continued to go by their birth-names. This was extremely well done, taking account for both the struggle of cis parents of trans/gender non-conforming kids, and the kids themselves that have to struggle with their identities and individual dysphoria. :)

[@transspiritindigo27]

This is wonderful!!! Thank you to all of the parents who support transgender youth!❤️❤️❤️

[@waldo6745]

Omg I've met Jay! He was at pride and walked with my youth group! His mom is so sweet and Jay is adorable

[@deniwolf100]

I find myself watching a lot of these documentaries recently and it's fascinating and also very heartwarming to see how people are learning that it takes all sorts to make this world colourful and fun. I commend these parents for supporting their children through what must be a very challenging experience, I'm sure they face a lot of adversity from people who don't get it and dont accept their choices. But ultimately, compassion and understanding is going to save many, MANY precious lives here. Hopefully with more knowledge and support for transgender children, these children will not grow into adults who feel unloved, misunderstood and as studies have shown, suicidal. That is what has happened in the past due to the hate and expectations of conformity. Let's hope the future is becoming what it needs to be; a place where every person is accepted for who and what they are, regardless of gender or persuasion.

[@beverlywhite8433]

I knew - always. Declared who I was at 4, transitioned at 51. Why? Because I was severely abused for insisting I was a girl. I was nearly destroyed by living as someone I wasnt. I made a good attempt at suicide and were it not for a bizzare turn of events would have died. My life was hell and I made others lives hell around me. Way too late I was reached and I have been so happy since. Still, so much of my life was destroyed by denying myself, a sickening thing to do to someone let alone a child. Those who don't understand don't have to endure the pain and loss. It isn't fair, but what is. Thank goodness these kids have parents that care about them more than they care about what other people will think of... them.

[@saoirse2963]

Okay, but many people say that they wanted to be the other sex/gender (I very much doubt kids understand the different) as kids, said they *are* the other sex/gender, and then when puberty kicked in, they didn't feel like that any more. So maybe it's better to wait and see how they feel after puberty start?

[@huntermiller6106]

I'm so sorry that happened to you. It's awesome that you were eventually able to transition, even if it was much later in your life

[@StrappersGirl]

As a mum of a 6 year old transboy who only came out socially in November, this has been REALLY informative and useful. Thank you.

[@dragonflymoonraven]

my transgender daughter was at the conference and we saw her in one of the shots...this is such a necessary video...society must learn to see our children through kinder eyes...stuff like this will help

[@armypolice2250]

Mind blowing these kids are being brainwashed and coached

[@rosadaniela9487]

The drawing by Jay hit me like a rock, so young yet so wise already..

[@armypolice2250]

This is teaching children to hate them self and it is disgusting

[@Sobe28]

This is brilliant. Thank you so much for positive exposure for these children.

[@PsychYouknow111]

children are the wisest most inspirational people in this world and we can learn SO MUCH from them

[@yadgmal]

Thanks for the video, it is Amazing to witness all the parents being supportive of their kids. The support, acceptance and understanding is what makes transitioning a pleasant experience.

[@viviana_s]

"75 days, not that I'm counting down... yes I am." I found that funnier than I probably should have.

[@suelynnb5867]

When parents say things to their children like "makeup and dresses are for girls", it can confuse the child into thinking they want to be the other gender, when actually simple things like what fabric they want to put on their body or what they want to play with doesn't control that. When I was a little girl I played with "boy toys" just as much as barbies, and experimented with wearing "boy clothes" all the way into junior high, but my parents never limited me and I'm a completely "normal" feminine woman now.

[@thelist_hub]

I enjoyed this episode very much! It really touched home, I'm 29 I've been taking HRT for 2 years now...transitioning from mtf. At this moment in time I'm part-time. My life feels so much better because of it, because I always felt very feminine when I was much younger. I still have that sense of being scared of the outside world and it's judgement but every progressive step I take makes me feel more and more confident about myself going into the unknown. #be the person who you were meant to be

[@Sophie-df5qk]

Charles Agnew are you still trans?

[@KrissyKrossy92]

I just came out to my parents as being trans... my dad didnt accept it at all as my mom was supportive and said we need to do the research together. But the moment i cut my hair bought my binder and put it on i looked in my mirror in my room and cried.. because it was the first time in my life that i have felt like my self..

[@sissykan547]

The best for the parents to do is to be supportive. We love our children for who they are, not what we want them to be. All children are littlie angels when they are born. I love them all.

[@ProdigiousHdawg]

Damn, I wish my parents had paid attention and researched this when I was a little kid. It would've made it all so much easier if someone had first of all actually listened to me, and helped me understand there was actually something that could be done about the way I was feeling and gotten ahead of it before stupid puberty happened. It's a lot more difficult transitioning when you're older. I am super jealous of those puberty blockers, and I wish so badly that I could've had them when I was about eleven. These kids are lucky, and their parents rock. More people should really be educated about this. Also, I appreciate how they touched on the fact that gender identity and sexual orientation are different things, just as simply liking to dress "as the opposite sex" (whatever the heck that means, really) is different than being trans.

[@jellyrcw12]

I loved watching this!!! It made me so happy to see parents accepting their children. Personally I am a lesbian and knowing that others along the LGBT spectrum have supporting parents is great news!

[@LittleKittyMine69]

As a genderfluid 22 year old, I really wish my parents were as accepting of me as these parents are. From the very beginning, I never felt like just a little girl. I blurred the lines between male and female all the time, but my family just saw it as one of my numerous eccentricities. When one of my brothers didn't want his toy shaving kit, I used it and pretended to shave my face with my dad, etc, and that was perfectly fine. All through middle school and high school, I wore both "boy" and "girl" clothes, which brought up issues when we went clothes shopping, but still wasn't a major issue. It wasn't until I was an adult that I found a term for who I was: genderfluid. My family accepted me for being bi very easily, but when I bring up my gender to this day, an argument starts and emotions run high. I am so glad that these kids are lucky enough to have that love and support, and that these educational support groups exist now.

[@alexthompson8977]

LittleKittyMine69 not feeling like something doesn't mean you aren't that thing.

[@hismajestymakeup]

Jays mother is an amazing parent! It was so clear to see she is truly doing what is best for her son. Makes me happy to see such great parenting..inspired!!

[@HeartMyKPop]

I was a gender noncomforming child, but once puberty hit I changed. Not all transgendered children will go on to be transexual in adulthood.

[@KYLIEKORALIE]

The same happened to me. I was born a girl but identify as a boy my family was unsupportive but as soon as I could I made the transition myself. Right now as an adult I had partners from both genders but I feel most confortable with male gender roles.

[@AidenExists]

"transgendered" and "transsexual" are transphobic and incorrect terms. its "transgender" and "transgender". thanks.

[@helenbarton4910]

@@AidenExists Not sure that "transsexual" is transphobic, more just obsolete but it does differentiate those trans people who undertake medical and surgical treatments from those that don't feel the need to.

[@doniiidallas]

Thank goodness for all of these understanding parents! I love you all. I've never experienced transgengdered in my personal life. But, I can understand that it happens. Good for you boys and girls!! I wish all of you the best. You all deserve to live happy!

[@cremeeggmaddie]

Respect to all of those who are in this video.

[@exnihilo415]

Great video. My wife is trans and she dearly wishes she had the support that the parents in this video have shown to their children. Hormone blockers are amazing. If only they had been around a couple decades ago.

[@56stew]

Brilliant vid, I transitioned at 43, and am now a very happy individual of nearly 57. I knew as a very young child that I was male, but, the 50s was not a good time to be different, and there was no info for my parents to read. I was ridiculed often by folks because I did not conform to the role expected, but now that is history.I have had all surgeries, and live as a male totally, and happy as I could be.

[@beefyboy3]

I beg to differ! I knew that I was a boy at that age. My cousin on the other hand knew she was a girl and grew up as a tomboy. Big difference! We both hated dresses and dolls. Our preference of clothing or toys does not tell us who we are.

[@lafemmefatalle]

This is really brilliant. Thank you SOOO very much!!!

[@JosephMorris]

Amazing documentary, so well executed and the connection with the characters you portrayed was outstanding. Thank you for producing this.

[@brandenwalker1847]

Though I'm am a Straight Transguy I swear I'm not being biast because I've been in their shoes,and wish that I could have come out to my parents at their age, but, these amazing families have the most amazing children and I'd be proud to be one of the parents. =] -Branden

[@epicbibbles11]

i wish my parents had accepted me as young kid, i never get to be a normal little boy, ill never have those memories, just ones of wanting to run away and hide because i was in a dress

[@xXRenaxChanXx]

Feels my mom told me if I wasn't even allowed to see a therapist. Because it's just a "faze" and against her and others beliefs thus not "acceptable". Even now I have to avoid focusing on it, at least until I'm out and can see a doctor. (I'm an adult but mentally and physically disabled, stomache problems take up most of my life.) Otherwise I end up going very very depressed and suicidal.

[@epicbibbles11]

Objectified Cross aww, that sounds terrible, hopefully someday you'll be able to get the process started

[@xXRenaxChanXx]

Thanks. I hope so too. My boyfriend wants to help when I move out to his place. ^w^

[@epicbibbles11]

Objectified Cross thats gd

[@xXRenaxChanXx]

yush~

[@PPikes]

I can't stop CRYING when I see this :'( I wish there was a way to detect it in the womb so that RIGHT at birth there can be medical intervention IMMEDIATELY so they NEEEEVER have to feel trapped in the wrong body :'( I know kinda how it feels A child shouldn't feel that pain

[@barbrovaage7585]

I think that to change their gender while being just toddlers is way too soon.

[@caninbar]

What it comes down to is that IGNORANCE was is and will always be the problem!

[@JanayDiamond]

Omg. So awesome. I cried at the incredibly supportive parents. Amazing kids.

[@gisellereeves7815]

God Bless these kids and their parents. people be kind to these folks.

[@ASTROLOGICAL9119ASHER]

Thank you to my parents for being so loving and accepting of me. I wish more parents would allow their child to be free to be themselves. I am a proud trans man and I'm happy in who I am !

[@alexthompson8977]

Kaleidescope Dope your self is how you are born not how you feel. Sorry but feelings don't change facts.

[@TheRoobieX]

I think this is such a wonderful and beautiful thing these parents are doing for their children.

[@bonemybrass36]

Absolutely fabulous video. I wish my parents were like this when I came out.

[@kyleecoyle]

Watching this video made me feel a lot better. Just thinking about now and my past often times I felt like my past was wasted because I was not a girl. After watching this, however, I realize that that is not true. Even though I may not have been a girl I was still myself. I was like any other kid. Living these first twenty years of my life as myself and discovering more about myself as I've gotten older can show that nothing in my life has been wasted.

[@RemusL19]

It's sad when parents don't accept their children for who they are. I hope that your father will accept you as the boy that you really are. Good luck.

[@ConnieHo123]

Just to clarify - Sexual orientation is who the person is SEXUALLY attracted to, and Romantic orientation is who the person is ROMANTICALLY attracted to.

[@TheGabster28]

Jake and his mom are so cute, they made me cry.

[@GanjNDrogyny]

You're right. My mom been coming around more and more and even helped me pick out which therapist I should goto that would handle everything properly. I think shes been doing some of her own research. I still haven't told her i would prefer it if she called me by male pronouns or that I would like to change my name to Kaidan. But the other day I was called miss by a customer at work and it completely ruined my day and once I told her that I think she truly understood how I feel. Thanks!

[@GanjNDrogyny]

I wish my parents would listen to me more! I'm 18 and want nothing more than to be recognized as a male. If my parents had known about this I would have not gone through major bouts of depression over my own body and how its not right. If these kids are happy and don't ever have to feel as low as I have felt then their parents have done the right thing.

[@favouritemoon4133]

All the kids in this were so cool and brave, and their parents both cool and supportive. That's the way it came across to me, anyway.

[@FanOfJanis]

You've got the right, my brother! I'm your age and we both know doing this was impossibel back then. I took my first estradiol tab at age 54. I'm now 2 years and 5 months into estradiol and an androgen blockade and could not be happier. My folks, relatives and shoolmates would have killed me back in the day. FTM's have better transitions, I believe. However, that's okay. Transguys rock. Bless these kids and these parents. Society is evolving in consciousness exponentially. Peace.

[@janecme]

I'm so grateful to my mother for giving me the space and support to be myself. I am so much happier than I was: my heart is full of love and life is great! But it must be so tough on parents, especially if they have harbored expectations that their little boy or girl with grow up to follow a predictable path.

[@KimESchroeder]

I do not feel anger at those who cannot understand such insanity as much as i feel envy. No one wants this for themselves. I came out at 52 and it was a good thing, but don't think for a second I actually choose to be what I am! True, these children are very brave, but so are these parents who confronted what is supposed to be true with reality.

[@GanjNDrogyny]

Being 18 doesn't make a difference. I still live with my parents and am so broke between bills and school that moving out isn't an option. Plus it's not about depending on my parents. It's about them not accepting who I am.No matter if I am legally an adult or not I still would like to know that my own parents would have my back in this and at this current moment they don't.They pick at me over all the things i do to quell my dysphoria.So, it's a lot more than just saying "oh I'm 18 F my family"

[@elleonhighheels]

I've never thought of the name Will for a girl, but I absolutely love it! It would be a good short form for the name Willow.

[@chrissyhurr]

i wish all parents and people are as supportive as these children's parents

[@kjakejakejakek]

god damn these are the greatest parents.

[@scenesami94]

It makes me so happy to see that some parents are actually able to accept their kids the way they are. I am not trans but i am bi n i remember the day i told my mom i liked girls too, she was mad at first but rhen she accepted it. I have so many gay and trans friends that have been through so much n it makes me happy to see parents speaking up about accepting their kids.

[@elgatobajolalluvia]

I just learned A LOT about transgender people. Thank you so much! :D

[@EddieTeddy]

This is such a great video! =)

[@albatrosone]

Respect to the parents, I wish they were all like them.

[@LordExpatiation]

I think I might send this to my family before I go visit... It would be so nice to be myself and happy around them for once.

[@Alleycat938]

Every once in a while I see these comments and wonder how they are doing now in 2021. How are you expatiation?

[@LordExpatiation]

@@Alleycat938 coming out to family went better than planned, I came out 5 years ago after a psych hospitalization for suicide. It took my mom up until recently to really get my name down, and she still hasn't used son for me, but I'm happy for what I have. My extended family doesn't talk to me and is largely Q-Anon, but I'm told they took my gender identity well. My mental health is still very poor, but I'm stubborn and refuse to back down. My family is helping me pay for a mental health program next year that hopefully will help me be stable enough to get my Masters and go back to a regular job. Thanks for checking in. Hope you're well

[@Alleycat938]

@@LordExpatiation wow it’s so cool that you responded!!! I am so glad to hear some of your story, Keep moving forward! You’re doing great.

[@Rozmic]

How utterly horrifying. Horrible mothers with Münchhausen's by proxy.

[@PossumMedic]

grow up

[@zoep.2891]

These parents are amazing!!! I am so happy for their children to have this love and support! It's great!

[@musicjxnsbakdme]

Such amazing parents, and lovely kids. I'm not transgendered but I'm an ally. Joel is fabulous, Skylar is such a cutie (also I saw that Doctor Who poster!), and Jay is adorable. (:

[@joelshapiro811]

im flattered!! thank you love always, joel

[@AidenExists]

*transgender*

[@misstrussteLgbTq]

I'm 21, mtf lesbian, and on the 1st of May 2012, I start estrogen. At no point in my life did I not feel like a girl, I just didn't know being transgender existed. I think shows like this and other documentaries that show what it is truly like, are important things, so that others don't have to wait so long to be themselves.

[@skylarbeare8311]

When you are a teenager and haven't said anything and are mis-gendered it hurts so much.

[@betterIloveCC]

i've know i was a boy since i was 8. i told my mom last year and she refuses to call me Elliott and he. these kids are so lucky x

[@kyle66683]

They would be blessed to have a parent like you then!

[@bubblegumlie4918]

Jackie has the eyes of mischief 👁👄👁

[@SirNelsonator]

I saw Will speak at the Gender Spectrum conference in Berkley, CA on Saturday. Was anyone else there?

[@benk8250]

Wow, congratulation to all of those awesome young people! I am so happy for them, they have got so loving families who would accept every of their steps. Good luck to every young transgender out there!

[@disorderJAPAN]

My parents actually needed time to accept me as trans* but they try and do quite well. I like that there are people who just let their kids be who they are.

[@ftmichael]

This is outstanding and just wonderful. Thank you to everyone who helped create this episode.

[@thelilredhead7005]

Very inspiring

[@LanSensei]

Great video!

[@rubystyles3357]

Dan looks more like a 15 year old then a 12 year old

[@GypsyRoseBlanchardisaliar]

I got a big train set when I was younger but didn’t make me want to be a boy.....and I was surprised with a race car track set which I loved... definitely didn’t make me want to be a boy. I just loved those kinds of things and I still do.

[@jamesronan9315]

You're awesome!

[@k5928k]

what a fantastic mother that woman is...!!!!! hooray for her (and her son)...!!!

[@mumtoemmaeliza]

good on the parents for letting the kids be who they are

[@Emily-mx6wv]

love this

[@kid_monkee]

I was trying so hard to focus on his story....but Skylar is so cute

[@debbiereed5359]

All this crap dont make sense. If u keep letting the child think its the other sex it will. Let them grow out of it. Its just a phase. These parents are pushing it on they're kids. Sick

[@HappyHyperHippie]

I never really showed any signs either. It's ok. It doesn't mean you don't know who you are, or that you aren't "trans enough". It is understandable that parents may have more trouble when there "aren't any signs", and many parents have trouble even when there are a wealth of signs. My parents also didn't accept me. Give your mom some time. I know it's hard to be patient (trust me, I really know), but remember, you've had years to get used to this, she's only had a month. Hang in there!

[@emptynester7985]

In IL it is illegal to tattoo a minor. Even with Parents permission. There are some Psychiatrists who label this "Gender Identity Disorder". With the Transgender proceedures, the person is unable to conceive genetic offspring. How can someone competently make an irrevocable decision like this, at such an early stage in life? How can adults participate, in what may be a temporary desire? Those Transgenders who have regretted their decision, should be consulted also.

[@Kaztronomical]

Skylar is totally a nerd. Don't think I see that Doctor Who poster :P

[@The_Daily_Tomato]

Of course the librarians would understand a boy in a dress. They educate themselves more than many others and then work with books.

[@54CFC]

Me too. I'm older than most of them mentioned int this program and I still can't come out to my folks.

[@odi97thegreat]

actually if your still under 25 your parents are still in control of your actions and decisions

[@Death2Evil]

If you don't mind my asking, how is it that you're beginning HRT? By the book? Prescribing yourself? Physician? Endocrinologist? Because I'm all for autonomy over one's own body, and the current Standards of Care can cause delays for people our age (18-25) when every month matters. Idk about you, but I considered transition for a long time before deciding to go through with it, and the idea of getting caught up in red tape irks me.

[@imadorkidontcare7688]

Jackie seems so sweet omg

[@PossumMedic]

This came out 12 years ago?! How have we regressed so far 😔

[@lolaup]

Hey I really like this doc, the parents are wonderful and know how to express themselves. I would like to add a portuguese caption and promote it with a title in portuguese. Would you guys allow me to do that?

[@tintaxcandy7391]

I loved how jay said children

[@LuisCabrera-bx2vt]

ah hell nahhhhh

[@Jemalacane0]

Gender non conformity is awesome.

[@sconebren]

Wow. All of those parents are so inspiring. We need more people like them in the world!

[@shawna1stg]

i am Shawna i am transgender .in the late 60s early 70s i was put into state hospital by my foster parents because of being myself they did version thirepy they try change my way of thinking.

[@tillmandavid9448]

Im very sorry they did that!!!

[@wallypus111comicnerd]

It took society 10000 years to finally get over the fact that just because someone has certain parts doesn't necessarily mean that's who they are. wow -.- people is dumb XD

[@canadianflash6376]

I like how these parents are acsepting but not confusing