JOSIE (SAM’S MOM)
ARKANSAS | SERIES # 4
Sam is my child, no matter what.
Sam was born female and is in the process of transitioning to my son. But he’s always been my son. He is the youngest of my 5 kids – 2 older brothers and 2 older sisters.
When he started talking, that’s when he knew he was different, not like his sisters. The boys played more with him – cars, trucks and Transformers mostly. No interest at all in Barbie’s and baby dolls. He always said they don’t do anything. Birthday presents and Christmas presents were Hot Wheels and Tonka trucks. He never said anything to us like “I think I should be a boy” or “why am I a girl”. At the age of about 2 ½ yrs old, he did ask when he was going to grow a penis like his brothers. We explained that he would not, and he never brought it up again.
Then a few years ago after my divorce from his dad and our move from Illinois to Arkansas, Sam told me what was going on. We all kinda knew because of the clothes and change in appearance (short hair, flannel shirts, boots) and this was OK. We went to our PCP to try and get more information on the LGBT community here in Arkansas. We started with counseling but that did not go in the direction we were wanting.
Then I found an amazing place by sheer luck. The Arkansas Children’s Gender Clinic in Little Rock, AR. They talked to us, gave us a list of LGBTQ groups, other counseling service groups. They are just amazing people. Sam has finally found a counselor for the gender dysphoria and he is wonderful. It’s nice to see a big and proud smile on his face after talking with him.
Sam is now 17 and headed in the right direction. He has the love and support from ALL of his family. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for him. He is my inspiration and my everything. I just wish all families would be this loving and accepting of their children like I am.
So, to all the kids out there whose families have basically abandoned them for being part of the LGBTQ community – my arms are open wide for you to come and get a hug from me. Anytime, anywhere.
Know that you are loved.
