I immediately recognized Lila Rose’s striking makeup when it appeared in my newsfeed recently. She’s a favorite beauty influencer of my sister and around 12 million others, so I’ve seen plenty of her videos. The headline announced her coming out as transgender. My first instinct was to ensure the comment section was kind; I was ready to defend her if needed.
Fortunately, the comments were overwhelmingly supportive, which allowed me to relax (for now). Lila’s massive fanbase clearly loves her, and their admiration isn’t diminished by her being assigned male at birth.
Sadly, Lila’s coming out wasn’t entirely her choice; she had been blackmailed. This is unacceptable. She never owed anyone her story. While representation is crucial, and Lila is incredibly brave for reclaiming her narrative, she shouldn’t have had to do it under such pressure. No transgender person should feel compelled to share their story or become an activist; those experiences are personal and should be shared at their discretion.
Lila chose to share her journey, and millions tuned in, filled with love and support. As I watched her video, I was struck by how confident and at ease she appeared. Unlike many transgender narratives often told, Lila’s story had a significant advantage: she transitioned early and received widespread support. She mentioned facing some teasing, but her mother, teachers, and most peers were affirming. She was allowed to simply be herself.
Lila Rose exemplifies the importance of parents supporting their transgender children. Her mother believed in her from a young age when Lila asserted she was a girl. Thanks to this early support, Lila received the medical care she needed promptly to live authentically.
With tears in her eyes, she credited her mother, saying, “Growing up, I think the number one thing I’m the most thankful for is my mom… She has always been there for me and accepted me, and that is everything you need as a kid.”
Lila’s mother is a true hero. A growing body of medical research shows that affirming a child’s gender identity is the best approach for transgender youth. Recent studies, which finally had access to a larger population of transgender teens and young adults who transitioned socially, indicate no significant difference in depression levels compared to their cisgender peers, with only a slight increase in anxiety.
Previously, such studies were scarce due to the limited number of transgender kids receiving this kind of support. However, as more parents embrace and affirm their transgender children, it becomes evident that supporting their identities is one of the most loving actions we can take.
Still, misinformation and bigotry persist. Recently, lawmakers across several states, including South Dakota and Florida, have proposed bills aimed at restricting medical care for transgender youth. Ironically, these bills are often titled “Vulnerable Child Protection Act,” as if they genuinely consider the best interests of transgender children, who are among the most vulnerable populations. Without support and affirmation, transgender youth face higher rates of anxiety and depression, and their suicide rates are double that of their LGB peers.
Critics of healthcare for transgender children often argue against surgeries for minors. However, it’s essential to clarify that children are not undergoing surgeries. The standard affirming treatment, as Lila described, involves allowing a child to present as their identified gender—simple changes like clothing, hair, and name, which are easily reversible. Later, puberty blockers can be administered to pause physical changes. According to the Mayo Clinic, these blockers give families time to determine if a child’s gender identity is lasting. If treatment stops, puberty resumes. Permanent surgical options are only discussed when a child is well into their teens and has lived as their preferred gender for several years.
The narrative that surgery is being performed on children is fear-mongering. Those who suggest that depression and suicide occur post-transition fail to recognize that it is the rejection and discrimination faced by transgender individuals that harm their mental health.
While there’s still much work to be done, more parents are rising up in fierce defense of their transgender children, advocating for their right to healthcare and the ability to live authentically. Advocacy from figures like Jazz Jennings, fierce mothers like Vanessa Lee fighting for their transgender children’s rights, and Jamie Bruesehoff, who has shared her daughter Rebekkah’s story on the Disney Channel’s Marvel’s Hero Project, is helping shift the narrative toward understanding the importance of simply believing transgender individuals when they share their identities.
Now, with Lila Rose adding her influential voice, it’s time for all of us to speak up and protect these children. Each one deserves to grow up with the same support and love Lila received, allowing them to shine with confidence and self-acceptance.
Be sure to vote for representatives who support trans rights. If you suspect your child may be transgender, check out this resource for advice and support. For more information on home insemination, visit Home Insemination Kit. Also, explore Make A Mom for expert insights, and for excellent pregnancy resources, visit Healthline.
In summary, Lila Rose’s story emphasizes the critical need for early support of transgender youth. Her experiences showcase the positive impact of acceptance and affirmation, highlighting the importance of standing up for trans rights and providing children with the love they need to thrive.
Keyphrase: Importance of Supporting Trans Youth
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