Sunday 20 September 2009

Tabloid Hype, Transgendered Children

Five months ago I made a few notes in an earlier entry entitled Trans Children, about children who are on the transgendered spectrum or merely "dressing up" and the misunderstandings and bigotry that can exist. I noted the fact the treatment of children diagnosed with gender identity disorder was a comparatively new science and that I remained open on some of the ideas that were based on some evidence, however

"Pushing, forcing them to the assigned gender. doesn't cure them. It only teaches them to pretend and fake it, became a superb secret agent, hide it, fucks them up. It just creates self hate, loathing, lack of confidence, depression, drug abuse, suicides".


It is especially important not to single them out and sensationalise and treat as some oddity. Regrettably that is what appears to have happened. Perhaps the school could have handled the situation better. The media's attention has been worse.

The two children aged 12 and 9 respectively (or as The Sun would put it TWELVE and NINE!) returned to their respective schools with approval.

This story found its way to The Sun’s news desk who decided to run front page stories over consecutive days. Thankfully somebody seems to have intervened otherwise their privacy and rights would have been further intruded into. The story of the 9 year old had to be illustrated with the picture of a child model. As the Alfie Patten farrago demonstrated they tend not to give a stuff about such things especially when greedy adults are involved. In fact it’s hard to imagine the News International cheque book wasn’t waved toward the parties in return for their cooperation followed by not so subtle threats what would happen if they didn’t.

From a grotty rag which frequently prints bare faced lies, bugs telephones, prints up-skirt paparazzo and claims to stand and represent the working class while belittling, mocking them and advocating policies which would not help them. So what’s the incorrect use of the male pronoun or giving clues as to their location.

Its a sensationalist story designed to get people bothered in the morning with no mention of the serious and what must have agonising decision the parents and child faced .

Like sexuality, gender identity is frequently set at a young age while campaigns to tackle homophobia are gaining welcome recognition, similar efforts to raise awareness, help schools and deal with transphobia falling on deaf ears. Leaving only a few receiving care and treatment, like these two who I wish good luck given the mindless bigots and haters they face. One hopes that coverage and acceptance will improve.

 P.S.  After drafting this entry I have spotted others with their own perspective. Nicky, Jeni, Debbie, and Abi for starters.

9 comments:

  1. Dear Lucy
    If only those who are so cold hearted & insensitive could for one moment in time see the world through the eyes of those dear vulnerable children.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think one of the more annoying things with respect for the Sun's artical recently was not the sensationalist way it was written, but the almost deliberate usage of the male for, HE, Him & the LAD. Which to be honest just indicates the pig ignorance of the writers & editors.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree with Lara...that was quite upsetting.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just can't believe that they put some children through this. I'm sure we can all imagine what they are going through, the stick that they must be getting from the other kids in the school (I don't care what the teachers have said to the other kids you know that it's not going to make a difference... At least it didn't in my school) And then on top of all that they have this to deal with. Even if they did not identify the children directly in order to 'protect' them (could have spat when I wrote that about something in the Sun) I can't imagine that there are that many 9 and 12 year olds having to deal with this so everyone locally is going to know who they are.

    I really wish them all the best, and hope that in going through this now that they at least have less issues later in their adolesence.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'll never understand the idiots who think they can cure homosexuality or transgenderness by forcing a child to be something that they are not.

    Furthermore, the stories of depression and suicide are heart-wrenching.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear Lucy
    I just noticed your twitter posting & just wanted you to know I am thinking of you.
    Sending you
    (((((((Peace & hugs))))))
    Best wishes for better times soon.
    take care
    Love
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just had a look at the visitors to the site from search engines. Some I suspect may be after more detailed advice, information and help. For those I include a few links links:

    Mermaids UK
    The Gender Trust
    GIRES

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you for the comments.

    At least the schools were not hostile as has happened before.

    It does bother me when sensationalist stories appear about adult trans but when they feature children and when people are talking about or encouraging violence toward then that is truly upsetting.

    ReplyDelete

Feel free to comment Below