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Proud Mom Shares How Her 13-Year-Old Son Came Out To Her And It’s Heartwarming
2020 is about to end and despite all the heartbreaking moments it has been taking us through, the past 12 months have brought a few that put a smile on our faces too. This viral story is about one of them.
Just before Christmas, writer Amanda Mancino-Williams turned to Twitter to share the wholesome booklet her 13-year-old made for her. “Got a note from my 13yo tonight, under the door, like they always did when there was something important to say,” she wrote.
The pages included drawings of a “dot-er,” intended as a pun for the word “daughter,” and a sun, a pun for the word “son.”
The little one explained, “I was originally expected to be an artist who specialized in pointillism, but I have discovered that being a ball of gas suits me better.”
Image credits: Manda_like_wine
Gender nonconformity, defined as having a gender expression that is perceived to be inconsistent with gender norms expected for an individual’s sex, is not uncommon in children. A study of gender-atypical behavior (one aspect of gender nonconformity) among elementary school children found that approximately 23% of boys and 39% of girls displayed multiple gender-atypical behaviors.
Gender nonconformity exists on a spectrum; some children displaying less and some children displaying more of it.
Family acceptance is very important to transgender youth. A 2013 survey revealed that 4 in 10 LGBTQ adults say they were rejected by a family member or close friend at some point in their lives and as a result, LGBTQ youth are more prone to homelessness than their peers.
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The mother was really proud to receive the booklet
Trans-identified and nongender youth can even be misunderstood by lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. Youths who identify as trans frequently have to explain their identity to them as well as to straight people, said Katherine Newman, a former LGBTQ program specialist.
“Often, trans-identified youth are in a position where they constantly have to educate people about what ‘trans’ means,” Newman explained. “They essentially have to justify themselves.”
Studies suggest that children who are supported and affirmed in their transitions are just as mentally healthy as their cisgender peers.
As her tweets were going viral, people were sending the family their best wishes
Here are just a few responses the thread has received
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Joe Reaves 3 years ago
Dot-ter, ugh - only 13 but already making comments that qualify as dad jokes! And flaming ball of gas isn't a bad description of a teenage boy, lol.
Jamma 3 years ago
That's what I was thinking, having had a teenage brother! >.< lol
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Animal lover❤ 3 years ago
The comment section is i sad strange place, go no further. Congrats to him for finding himself, I hope that they live a wonderful life❤
Dippin Dot 3 years ago
I followed her account for a while, and I just so happen to notice a pattern - first, she had a GoFundMe because her ex left when she was pregnant and was supporting her and her 3 other kids alone. Ok, cool. Then she made headlines (even here on BP) because she reserved seats on a train but some entitled couple took them and wouldn't give them. up. Now she has this story. As much as I'm a LGBTQ advocate, I'm kind of over this particular persons stories.
Amanda MW 3 years ago (edited)
Hi there, I'm the writer you're discussing and would like to say that I've never mentioned any of this for clicks. I have a platform and there have been times that some of the things I've tweeted have taken off. 99 percent of the other things haven't. I have fantastic children who I'm incredibly proud of and always ask their permission before I share anything. Regarding the gofundme, I was desperately in need of help and had no where to turn. As always, my incredible community of friends on Twitter came through during a very dark time. During better times I had always tried to reciprocate and help when I could, and I do hope most people recognized that. I hope that in the future, maybe instead of posting something questioning someone's integrity on a public forum, maybe just reach out. My DMS and email are open and I'm always happy to connect with anyone who legitimately wants to converse. Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year.
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Joe Reaves 3 years ago
Dot-ter, ugh - only 13 but already making comments that qualify as dad jokes! And flaming ball of gas isn't a bad description of a teenage boy, lol.
Jamma 3 years ago
That's what I was thinking, having had a teenage brother! >.< lol
Load More Replies... Animal lover❤ 3 years ago
The comment section is i sad strange place, go no further. Congrats to him for finding himself, I hope that they live a wonderful life❤
Dippin Dot 3 years ago
I followed her account for a while, and I just so happen to notice a pattern - first, she had a GoFundMe because her ex left when she was pregnant and was supporting her and her 3 other kids alone. Ok, cool. Then she made headlines (even here on BP) because she reserved seats on a train but some entitled couple took them and wouldn't give them. up. Now she has this story. As much as I'm a LGBTQ advocate, I'm kind of over this particular persons stories.
Amanda MW 3 years ago (edited)
Hi there, I'm the writer you're discussing and would like to say that I've never mentioned any of this for clicks. I have a platform and there have been times that some of the things I've tweeted have taken off. 99 percent of the other things haven't. I have fantastic children who I'm incredibly proud of and always ask their permission before I share anything. Regarding the gofundme, I was desperately in need of help and had no where to turn. As always, my incredible community of friends on Twitter came through during a very dark time. During better times I had always tried to reciprocate and help when I could, and I do hope most people recognized that. I hope that in the future, maybe instead of posting something questioning someone's integrity on a public forum, maybe just reach out. My DMS and email are open and I'm always happy to connect with anyone who legitimately wants to converse. Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year.
Load More Replies...
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