I have shared that I came out to my 11 year old son a few months ago. This was right before I came out publicly in my small suburb town in Marin County outside of San Francisco. I met with his principal at his new middle school letting her know that I am transitioning slowly and would be Suzanne much of the time. I have been to the school as Suzanne during registration. I have signed up for the PTA and as a chorus booster. I plan on fulfilling these obligations as Suzanne unless work schedule will not allow.
My son came to me after the first. Week of school. He had made a new friend that he was hanging out with during free time at school. He said he would like to go ahead and tell him about Suzanne. When I asked why he said he would just like to already have had the conversation before his friend saw me. I said sure if that is what you want to do. The next day he told the other boy that I was TS. The boy said he had heard about the subject but never met anyone like that. Then he promised my son he would never be mean to him about me being Suzanne. My son was so happy to tell me this.
These are sixth grade boys! I am so proud of my son's courage. I hoped that this process would be a valuable teaching experience for my son. That he would see acceptance and love from me and other people. He has been teaching me! When he is out with me, he holds my hand and shows no apprehension about being with a tall trans woman. I couldn't have been blessed with a more loving son!
Suzanne
