cover of TIME.....

[Angel Eyes]

Transgender tipping point:tape::noidea: http://media.boingboing.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/original-1-930x1240.jpg

[hutch]

yeah but where do you draw the line. I went to school with a tomboy. I remember that she didn't like boys so she was a dyke... big deal ... but...c/p

Proud parents from San Diego have shared their story of having a transgender son who became a boy aged just 5-years-old.

Jeff and Hillary Whittington presented a touching video showing little Ryland's female-to-male transition as they were honored at the 6th annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast last Thursday.

The stirring footage revealed how Ryland suffered severe hearing problems when she was just 12-months-old and was fitted with cochlear implants.

"I am a boy," the long blonde haired toddler reportedly declared to her parents after the operation and learning to speak.
After Ryland's declaration, her mom and dad's research led them to believe she was transgender. TheWhittingtonFamily via YouTube Enlarge
Noting the social problems suffered by transgender people, they decided to embrace Ryland's identity. TheWhittingtonFamily via YouTube Enlarge

Despite her room being painted pink and being dressed in girly outfits, her parents said she preferred masculine toys and activities.

Confused as to what to do, the Whittingtons believed it was a phase that would soon pass. But, on turning five, Ryland started concretely rejecting all things feminine.

"When the family dies, I will cut my hair so I could be a boy," Ryland reportedly told her parents, later adding: "Why did God make me like this?"
Ryland Whittington was born a girl in 2008. Ryland Whittington was born a girl in 2008.
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Ryland Whittington, a female-to-male transgender boy from San Diego, California, pictured as a baby.
Room dedcorated in pink for baby Ryland Whittington of San Diego, California, who went on to become a female-to-male transgender boy.
Ryland Whittington, a female-to-male transgender boy from San Diego, California, before his transition from a little girl into a boy.
Ryland Whittington, a female-to-male transgender boy from San Diego, California, prior to his transition froma girl into a boy.

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TheWhittingtonFamily via YouTube

Jeff Whittington, a former firefighter-turned-real estate agent, and wife Hillary began researching the issue - and soon decided the answer was that their girl was transgender.

Terrified to learn about the high suicide rate associated with transgender people who feel socially unaccepted, they decided to properly embrace Ryland's identity.

"Ryland's gender identity was not caused by our parenting style, family structure or environmental factors," the couple stated in the 7-minute montage.

They cut off their infant's long hair, bought new clothes and started referring to Ryland as a male. His room was also redecorated.

The footage then showed Ryland playing soccer and baseball, wearing ties and dancing with a flower girl at a wedding reception.

"Relative to the horrific things people have to endure with their children all over the world, this is nothing," his parents added.
Ryland's parents found that many transgender people struggle with social acceptance. firstgiving.com

Ryland's parents found that many transgender people struggle with social acceptance.
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Embracing the change, Ryland's parents cut his hair and bought new clothes. TheWhittingtonFamily via YouTube

Embracing the change, Ryland's parents cut his hair and bought new clothes.
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The video was played before the couple accepted the event's Inspiration Award, reports LGBT Weekly.

A short-haired Ryland, dressed in a smart suit, also took to the stage to say: "My name is Ryland Michael Whittington. I am a transgender kid."

Jeff Whittingon, speaking afterwards to the emotional 1,000-strong audience, claimed "one of the most inspiring things Harvey Milk had done" was "to encourage people to come out."
The Whittingtons at the beach: Ryland and his baby sister with parents Jeff and Hillary. The Whittingtons at the beach: Ryland and his baby sister with parents Jeff and Hillary.
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Ryland Whittington (right), a female-to-male transgender boy from San Diego, California, with dad Jeff, mom Hillary and his baby sister in a Facebook cover photo posted by dad Jeff Whittington.
Ryland Whittington, a female-to-male transgender boy from San Diego, California, speaks at the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast on May 22 in California. By him are his parents, Hillary and Jeff Whittington.

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Jeff Whittington via Facebook

"To let their voices be heard; break down the walls, break down the barriers and start allowing people to see them for their authentic selves and be true to themselves," he said.

"This is our coming out [...] this is us making our voices heard," he added.

[jazzman]

I read that article hutch and somehow it just doesn't sit quite right...sorry just an old timer here and you ARE who you are "cause that's the way you were born" JMHO

[Nostradamus]

I seen that article as well and I have to agree with Jazz. People want to change when they get older well I guess that is their call but a 5 year old kid doesn't know anything along that lines. Basically other the fact they have some extra hardware or lack there of the are basically asexual up to about maybe the age of 10. It doesn't set well with me either andI can't help but think that kid is going to have major mental problems as it gets older