To the Editor:

I am the father of a transgender child. Despite our acceptance and support of them, we still faced with suicidality concerns because of the divisiveness of the society in which we exist.

As a part of the interconnected and inclusive extended queer community, this week I had to read the suicide note of a young woman forced to de-transition by her family.

This is the danger of proposed bill 868. If we lived in a society that accepted the science that gender dysphoria and being transgender as fact rather than the misinformation that it is a fad, or rebellion, or a choice someone can make, then this would be different. If we lived in a society that demanded acceptance and support from parents, then this would be unnecessary, but the politicians supporting this bill, are promoting the death or disengagement of our transgender youth.
I understand parents wanting to know what is happening with their children, but many children do not feel safe coming out at home. Many of them rightfully know they will be rejected, or abused because of the reality inside of them.

Schools offer a unique environment for our children to learn, and an important part of that growth is finding solace in counseling. Don’t take that away from them. I encourage you to educate yourself. MaineHealth has an exceptional Gender Clinic that can provide education and support for families. If you’re determined to tie the hands of educators, at least ensure parents get the counseling they need to support their child through transition.

Aubrey Bell

Norway

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