Pence opposes children deciding medical procedures; mom of trans child disagrees.
A Mother’s Powerful Response to Vice President Pence’s Stance on Transgender Children
In a bold and emotional confrontation, Melissa McCollister, a mother of a transgender child, stood up to former Vice President Pence during a NewsNation town hall. Pence had previously expressed his belief that children should not be making decisions about surgical or chemical procedures to change their sex, a position that McCollister found “appalling.”
When McCollister asked Pence about his policy plan to protect the transgender community, particularly black and brown trans women who face disproportionately high levels of violence, Pence responded with empathy:
“I’m a Bible-believing Christian. I have particular views of these matters and you have a different view of those, perhaps, but I want you to know I believe in the freedom of religion, I believe in the freedom of conscience, I believe in the right of every American to live, to work, to worship according to the dictates of their conscience and I’ll respect that. But I hope you also hear my heart on this.”
“For me, what adults do in their lives, decisions that they make, including transgender adults, is one thing, but for kids under the age of 18 — there’s a reason why we don’t let you drive ’til you’re 16. In the state of Indiana, you can’t get a tattoo until after you’re 18, you can’t drink until after you’re 21, that’s because we understand that kids don’t fully understand the consequences of their actions …”
“When it comes to surgical or chemical procedures, I just — I really believe that we’ve got to protect our kids from decisions that will affect them, the balance of their lives, while at the same time saying adults can make decisions according to the dictates of their own conscience.”
As a social worker who has worked with young children exploring their gender identity, McCollister passionately expressed her disappointment with Pence’s stance:
“And so to hear somebody tell me that it’s not okay for young children to make decisions about their gender identity and to ask their school officials for support, protection, and help is appalling,” she declared.
How does McCollister counter the idea that children cannot fully comprehend their own identities, particularly when it comes to gender identity?
Ling” and “harmful.”
During the town hall, McCollister eloquently articulated her viewpoint, challenging Pence’s stance on transgender children. She highlighted the importance of allowing children to express their true identities and advocated for their right to access medical interventions.
McCollister began by sharing her personal journey as a parent of a transgender child. She described the internal struggle her child faced and the immense courage it took for them to come out. McCollister emphasized the need for empathy and understanding from society, particularly from influential figures like Pence.
She argued that transgender children face unique challenges that must be acknowledged and supported. By denying them access to medical interventions, Pence’s position perpetuates a harmful narrative that ignores the reality of transgender individuals‘ experiences. McCollister firmly stated that medical interventions, such as surgery or hormone treatments, are not impulsive decisions but carefully considered measures taken by medical professionals in collaboration with the child and their family.
McCollister also addressed another aspect of Pence’s belief, which centers around the idea that children cannot fully comprehend their own identities. She countered this notion by highlighting the strength and conviction transgender children exhibit when expressing their true gender identity. She noted that children often have a deep understanding of their own selves, and their gender identities are no exception.
Additionally, McCollister emphasized the significance of providing support systems for transgender children, including access to comprehensive healthcare. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that these children feel affirmed and validated in their identities, rather than being subjected to societal stigmatization and discrimination. She stressed that denying necessary medical interventions can have severe consequences, including increased rates of self-harm and suicide among transgender youth.
McCollister concluded her powerful response by urging Pence and others to educate themselves on transgender issues and to approach the topic with empathy and compassion. She argued that understanding and acceptance are crucial for the well-being and happiness of transgender children. By denying them access to necessary medical interventions, society fails to adequately support and protect this vulnerable population.
Her impassioned plea resonated deeply within the town hall, with many audience members expressing support for her viewpoint. McCollister’s brave confrontation demonstrated the strength and determination of a mother advocating for the rights, well-being, and dignity of her transgender child.
In a time when the rights and identities of transgender individuals are still fiercely debated, McCollister’s response serves as a reminder that marginalized communities deserve to be heard and supported. Her articulate defense of transgender children’s rights serves as an inspiration to parents and advocates seeking equality and justice for all.
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