Esma+and+Bianca

[|Led by the child who simply knew]

Abstract: This article tells the story of Wyatt who later turned into Nicole. Wyatt has an identical brother Jonas and at young age their parents could already see that Jonas and Wyatt saw themselves differently. The article highlights the medical side, the bullying, the family and how Wyatt became who he is today. Wyatt always felt like a girl and at a young age he had a hard time grasping why he was stuck in the body that he was in, he wondered when he was going to become a woman. Wyatt had a hard time at school, with bullies and even dealing with parents of the students that attended school with Wyatt. Wyatt becomes an inspiration to the people about him, especially him dad, as he fights against prejudice that people in his community put upon him.

Questions: 1. Jonas and Nicole' s parents have decided to tell their story "in order to help fight the deep stigma against transgender youth". Do you think such strong disgrace towards transgender children still exists? If so, why?

2. There are so many questions that surround the genders of transgender youth. Should Nicole be considered female? male? or should she not be subject to gender specifications?

3.Nicole is quoted saying,“I think what I’m aiming for is to undergo surgery to get a physical female body that matches up to my image of myself.’’Why do transgender children feel a need to change their physical appearances? and what does this say about society and our views of society?

4. Should schools be playing a bigger role in providing LBGT youth more protections against bullying and harassment?

6."His (Wyatt's) parents had no idea what was going on. They had barely heard the term “transgender.’ Should parents and society be more educated about transgender? Do you think this would make people more accepting?

7. Interestingly enough, the Maines' community has not been very accepting towards Nicole's change. Even their elderly pediatrician did not want to discuss the matter with them. Any thoughts on this?

8. Do you think that society's prejudice towards L,G,B,T people will/can ever change?

9. Regarding the possible safety issues, should children be allowed to be administered hormones and hormone suppressors, treatments usually given to people with certain disorders?

Bianca:

Kaitlyn: My first thoughts on this article were how shocking yet incredibly touching it was. Nicole and her family have overcome so much adversity in their lives. It was gratifying to see how united and supportive their family has become since Nicole's transformation. It was also heartwarming to see such a strong bond between Nicole and her twin brother Jonas. Until reading this article, I was never really aware of how challenging the transition was for a transgender person, physically as well as emotionally. Deemed an outcast by her community, Nicole has had to move as well as change schools. Since when were there repercussions for being oneself? I feel that unfortunately, society's prejudiced views of what men and women "should" be have definitely influenced the discomfort that some people feel towards L,G,B,T people. In our world today, identity is one of the few things that distinguish us and make us who we are. No one should be able to judge or take this away. Nevertheless, I'm glad that the Maines family, having been on an emotional roller coaster for the past couple of years, are finally content and happy in their living. Nicole's moving story has certainly inspired me. Hopefully her courage will inspire others as well.