Ryland as a girl; Second pic is Ryland, now a boy
When Jeff and Hillary Whittington, of San Diego, got the news in 2007 that they were having a daughter, the couple say had no idea that in a few years' time they will be raising a son instead. Cos according to them, right from the moment their baby could talk, Ryland declared to his parents: 'I am a boy.'
Even though the toddler lived in a room painted pink, sported long blonde hair and was dressed by her parents in girly outfits, she naturally gravitated toward everything masculine. At first her parents
said they thought their daughter was just being a ‘tomboy' but Ryland's change was persistent. By the time she turned five, she started actively rejecting everything feminine.
Last Thursday, the family received an Inspiration Award after they released a stirring video showing their daughter Ryland's female-to-male transition. In the video, six-year-old Ryland proudly stood next to a podium and declared to the audience: 'My name is Ryland Whittington. I am transgender kid.'
The Whittingtons say they had sought professional help and that was when they found out their child was transgender. After consulting with other parents and learning of shocking transgender suicide rates, they decided to totally embrace their child's true identity.
Ryland as a girl
They cut the toddler's blonde locks, bought a new masculine wardrobe and started using the male pronounces 'he' and 'him' when referring to Ryland. They also redecorated his room, doing away with pink furniture and bedding to make Ryland feel more comfortable.
Their decision has right now sparked a debate as to whether their helping their 6 year old become a transgender at such a young age was the right thing to do. But the parents are insisting:
“Ryland’s gender identity was not caused by our parenting style, family structure or environmental factors. We sent out a letter to friends and family explaining the change. We lost a few… but the people who truly matter stuck by us. Relative to the horrific things that people have to endure with their children all over the world, this is nothing. He is still healthy, handsome and extremely happy!”
Ryland now lives as a boy
Ryland dancing with a girl
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