I was raised by a transsexual: Celebrating it is ‘insensitive’

An author and family campaigner whose father lived as a woman when she was growing up has spoken out to say that all children need a mum and dad.

Denise Shick said that while society has acknowledged some of the issues around adult transsexualism, it has “not even begun” to consider the impact on children.

She commented that cultural celebration of transsexualism “is misguided and insensitive”.

Best for children

Shick made the remarks after President Obama expressed his support for transsexual people adopting children, in a presidential proclamation earlier this year.

In the UK there are no legal barriers to transsexual adoption.

Writing for the Daily Signal news website, Shick said: “The proclamation relates Obama’s latest thoughts on what’s best for LBGT adults. But what’s best for children?”

Strain

She said: “I can testify to the emotional strain and confusion that my father’s life played in my sexual and gender identity.

“I sought out our neighbors for a foster father. Many times I pretended that one of my uncles or a friend’s father was my make-believe father.

“I was so hungry for my father; a transgender ‘mom’ would not fit that need no matter how badly the adult wished it to.”

Distress

“My father experimented with my make-up and clothes, and by 7th grade I had decided that alcohol was the easiest method to numb my own pain. By the beginning of high school, I wondered if life was worth living”, Shick said.

She added: “We prioritize adult’s sexual preferences ahead of what is best for their children.

“As a culture we are very willing to address the emotional distress, isolation and other negative issues of people who come out as transgender adults.

Misguided

“But we have not even begun to discuss the issues involved and the impact this has on their wives and children.

“I’m begging America to wake up to what is being done for the sake of society and for children worldwide!

“This cultural celebration of transgenderism, for me as a daughter of a transgender father, is misguided and insensitive.”

She concluded: “As I know from firsthand experience, all children – including those being adopted – deserve a mom and a dad.”

Related Resources