Maya, age 11, Texas
MAYA: Me and the trans community – we didn’t do anything. I guess the lawmakers are assuming us trans kids have more of an ability to do stuff. But it’s not true. They probably know that we’re not actually that bad. They just want to have more popularity, and that’s not gonna work.
I can’t play on my school swim team because of these laws. I have to be on a private swim team, and I don’t like that. I didn’t do anything. Sometimes I’ll be at a park or anywhere, and I’ll start getting anxious because of it. I’ll just get anxious because of what’s gonna happen in the future.
They think that our parents are abusing us because they’re giving us medicine, and they’re going try to take me away. I could to go to a foster family, and my parents could go to jail for ten years, and I could never see them again. Am I going to get taken away? I don’t want that.
MOM: I would never let that happen.
I don’t sleep without taking medication anymore, because I have such anxiety and stress from the onslaught of this legislation. It brings a whole other level of worry and stress. When your child’s part of a marginalized group, you want them to have every opportunity. The folks who are your elected leadership, who should be there to protect you and stand up for everyone in the community, instead are targeting you and further marginalizing your family just because you support your child. Just because you’re listening to the advice of doctors, experts, and physicians… It’s just very surreal.
DAD: At this point I’m just thinking, what’s going to happen next? What’s the next law? What happens, are we going to move out of our home state? The state I grew up in? It’s a little ridiculous to have people control where you’re going to live and how you’re going to raise your family. It’s none of their business. Deal with something else that’s important. You know? Energy. Roads. Anything else.
BROTHER: The laws make me feel sad because Maya has to go through all of this. They don’t like all of us. Also, I don’t want to move because we wouldn’t be able to hang out with some of our friends and family.
MAYA: I think we should spread awareness of trans families like us, so maybe the lawmakers will have a better perspective of us and who we are. And maybe they’ll change their minds. I feel like it could happen.
If you’re going through this right now, in any state that has these laws, I just want you to know that you don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve it. No one deserves this. Hopefully we’ll make it through, and we can defeat the lawmakers, Greg Abbott and your state politicians.
MOM: You’re not alone. We have to stick together. I would encourage other parents to speak up, and to be even more visible and get even louder. Hiding isn’t going to make this go away. The more that we share our stories and educate other people, the more other folks will feel compelled to stand alongside us and stand up for trans kids everywhere.
DAD: Think about why you had kids. You wanted the best for that child. Step away from it a little; it’s not affecting you, it’s affecting your child. Be there for your child and make sure they have the best life possible. Things are tough, but it’s worth it in the end to keep fighting.
MOM: Our kid’s so well-spoken. I’m really proud of her, of who she is, and that she shows up as her authentic self everyday. And she’s not gonna let people’s ideas or judgments change who she is and how she wants to change her life. I wish we all had that courage.