Accept Differences
To the Editor:
SB 14 prohibits transgender care to children less than 18 years old. Children who are younger than 18 may not be able to decide what is best for themselves going forward. I see nothing in the bill that prohibits mental health care for teens troubled by their sexual identity. Go to Texas Legislature Online at https://capitol. texas.gov to download the text of the bill and see for yourself.
We have all known people who were different, gay, or queer, or whatever. My cousin was gay. We went to school together. Yes, he was different and we all knew it. He knew it too. He was a sweet and gentle person. He didn’t have many close friends but most of my peers accepted him for who he was. The few that didn’t were bullies, but those few were bullies to the rest of us too. Eventually in one way or another, they reaped the rewards of their behavior. Our school counselor was an ordained minister, a man I remember and look up to even today. He helped me when I was troubled. I’m sure he helped my cousin get through high school too.
My step-grandaughter in another state, upon reaching puberty, realized she was a boy in a girl’s body. It happens folks. It’s just the way it is. Fortunately it is not very often. It made for a very painful adolescence. He kicked a lot of boys butts who decided to bully him. He transitioned as fully as possible to being a male upon reaching age 18.
It is a tough thing for a kid learning to deal with being transgender. I wouldn’t wish it on any young person. Family love and acceptance is vitally important to every kid and especially so to transgender kids. Transgender kids need to be loved and accepted for who they are just like any other kid.
We don’t need separate bathrooms for transgenders. Separate bathrooms for men and women are still fine. Stalls with closed doors provide privacy for any kid or adult who needs it in a public place much like a closed bathroom door provides privacy at home. I’ve driven all over this country in a big truck. People going to a bathroom that fits their appearance is fine. The only genitals I have ever seen are my own. My wife says the same.
Drag shows are only appropriate for people who are 18 and older and wish to go, much like a male might decide to go to a strip club for entertainment. It’s none of my business who goes but it’s not something kids need to see in my opinion. The kids in school already know who is different and accept it for the most part. Bullies can and should be dealt with appropriately as always.