In recent months, transgender plaintiffs have beaten anti-trans policies in courts across the United States. Now, in Wisconsin, a federal judge says a trans girl student can use the girls bathroom.
I’m someone who transitioned in their 40s, and I have a lot of regrets and disappointment about how my life has turned out. Knowing that some young people can experience childhood and puberty in their own gender is one of the sources of joy in my life that keeps me going. I’m so grateful to this wonderful little girl, her parents and supporters, and the judge and legal system that is protecting her now.
I did a very slow rolled transition starting in 2009, with my first pills in 2021 at the age of 41. I have a lot of sadness on missing out on the younger femme me, but I have to say that I have a lot of joy in having my eyes opened so wide in adulthood. It's a perspective, and having this visibly trans body is a challenge to cis people that you don't get with the much more complete transitions that people have in their teens and early 20s. I hope that you can find some peace in where you ended up, too.
It's impossible not to see yourself in these kids and to just want to fly into a rage at what is happening to them. And it's so exhausting hearing this "debate" play out amongst two sides that neither of which really understand what they're talking about, with "your right to exist in public" hanging in the balance.
I know what you mean. I'm so excited that this is the first generation of our trans brothers and sisters to be able to grow up as themselves. It's beautiful to see.
YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! So happy to see my home state doing the right thing!!!!! Still some tall orders ahead before Wisconsin can be truly a safe place for LGBT people (like undoing how badly gerrymandered the state is) but any step, no matter how seemingly small, in the right direction needs to be celebrated and built upon
It's been 8 years since I weighed in on this exact subject in a college publication at UW Milwaukee. I shared in front of everyone I knew just how humiliating and emotionally draining it was to be a literal teenager and have a group of adults police the mere act of peeing while also claiming to care for my safety. I've never been actually proud to say this is my home town before now. This is my state. The fight isn't over, but it feels so good to see a W come in from WI. I don't even have the words.
This story froze my blood. The cruelty manifest against this eleven year old sears the heart. I'm very grateful to you, Erin, for your fantastic reporting.
The cruelty of these bigots know no bounds. My heart broke reading that poor girls message. If I were the parent, oh the stink I would have raised. (I’m sure they did; thus the law suit) it makes me so angry that people are heartless and needlessly cruel. For what, an election?
Screw your politics conservatives. You all deserve to lose power and NEVER hold any kind employment again. These people are too dangerous to interact with society.
Thank you for reporting these rays of light as they happen, it’s so refreshing in the midst of so much gloom! Cannot believe they’d treat a little 11 year old girl like this, how cruel and unnecessary. They shouldn’t even have had the conversation with her without her parents being present.
We are winning. This round we are glad the judge referred to the U.S. Constitutional rights in this case. These rights apply to all U.S. Citizens from birth? Oh, and before I forget again; thank you, Erin & Co. for setting up those links to the various platforms. This makes the exercise of sharing that much easier for old cats like yours truly. Everyone, please stay as safe, and healthy as possible. Sending lots of Love from London, Ontario, Canada.
I’m someone who transitioned in their 40s, and I have a lot of regrets and disappointment about how my life has turned out. Knowing that some young people can experience childhood and puberty in their own gender is one of the sources of joy in my life that keeps me going. I’m so grateful to this wonderful little girl, her parents and supporters, and the judge and legal system that is protecting her now.
I did a very slow rolled transition starting in 2009, with my first pills in 2021 at the age of 41. I have a lot of sadness on missing out on the younger femme me, but I have to say that I have a lot of joy in having my eyes opened so wide in adulthood. It's a perspective, and having this visibly trans body is a challenge to cis people that you don't get with the much more complete transitions that people have in their teens and early 20s. I hope that you can find some peace in where you ended up, too.
It's impossible not to see yourself in these kids and to just want to fly into a rage at what is happening to them. And it's so exhausting hearing this "debate" play out amongst two sides that neither of which really understand what they're talking about, with "your right to exist in public" hanging in the balance.
I know what you mean. I'm so excited that this is the first generation of our trans brothers and sisters to be able to grow up as themselves. It's beautiful to see.
Being around young persons transitioning... I see their struggle everyday & know their commitment. They are so very brave. 🙏🏼
YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! So happy to see my home state doing the right thing!!!!! Still some tall orders ahead before Wisconsin can be truly a safe place for LGBT people (like undoing how badly gerrymandered the state is) but any step, no matter how seemingly small, in the right direction needs to be celebrated and built upon
State scotus win was huge for the state. I only hope they are able to roll back ALL of the bs they’ve passed this last decade+.
FWIW, Judge Lynn Adelman is male and uses “he” pronouns.
Whoops! Changed!
The girl’s note is so sad.
How could any decent adult, especially one who made a career choice to work with children, be so actively cruel to an eleven-year-old child?
It's been 8 years since I weighed in on this exact subject in a college publication at UW Milwaukee. I shared in front of everyone I knew just how humiliating and emotionally draining it was to be a literal teenager and have a group of adults police the mere act of peeing while also claiming to care for my safety. I've never been actually proud to say this is my home town before now. This is my state. The fight isn't over, but it feels so good to see a W come in from WI. I don't even have the words.
This story froze my blood. The cruelty manifest against this eleven year old sears the heart. I'm very grateful to you, Erin, for your fantastic reporting.
The cruelty of these bigots know no bounds. My heart broke reading that poor girls message. If I were the parent, oh the stink I would have raised. (I’m sure they did; thus the law suit) it makes me so angry that people are heartless and needlessly cruel. For what, an election?
Screw your politics conservatives. You all deserve to lose power and NEVER hold any kind employment again. These people are too dangerous to interact with society.
Thank you for reporting these rays of light as they happen, it’s so refreshing in the midst of so much gloom! Cannot believe they’d treat a little 11 year old girl like this, how cruel and unnecessary. They shouldn’t even have had the conversation with her without her parents being present.
We are winning. This round we are glad the judge referred to the U.S. Constitutional rights in this case. These rights apply to all U.S. Citizens from birth? Oh, and before I forget again; thank you, Erin & Co. for setting up those links to the various platforms. This makes the exercise of sharing that much easier for old cats like yours truly. Everyone, please stay as safe, and healthy as possible. Sending lots of Love from London, Ontario, Canada.
You (& Zooey) are brave too, Erin. Thank you for what you do for our community. Enjoy your well deserved vacation. Namaste 🙏🏼
Title IX gives us great things, like this awesome ruling and an Amazing Women's Association Football Team!