I get so infuriated by the argument that is often used against gay/lesbian literature aimed at youth, in that it’s indoctrination or going to ‘turn those innocent kids’.

It’s even more dissapointing when those that are feminist, whilst pointing out how women have suffered at patriarchal society and culture trying to define their experiences, then also attempt to silence trans* youth by using that same right-wing, conservative language.

Speak to most trans* people and they will offer their own experiences – and that is overwhelmingly that they know they’ve felt that way since very young – and often it’s felt totally inate that they either had body/genital incongruence or a discomfort with their assigned gender and/or gender.

Most of us who are trans* knew we were different, and yet, from childhood, we were desperate to know that it was ok, and that we weren’t the only ones (because that’s how it feels) – most of us supressed how we felt as youth because we were made to feel like freaks, and yet at least the last 10 years the internet has helped to inform not only others, but to give us some unified voice of experience and understanding. If only I had a childhood where I could not only access trans* friendly childrens books, but that others around me who weren’t trans* could be informed too.

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