Transgender Camp for Children Ages 4+

Nearly 15 years ago, I was serving as an early childhood education program director in South Charlotte.  When I accepted the role, I loved the diversity in the program (both the families and the staff).  On any given day of the week, many families toured our program.  Additionally, I could accept nearly 25 phone calls per day, inquiring about the program.  I will NEVER forget the day that I thought I changed the world, serving one family over the telephone, about 15 years ago.  

The conversation:

After answering the phone, the voice on the other side sounded like a man's voice, who told me that his child was three years old.  The gentleman told me that he was currently enrolled in a preschool in their current city (in the West).  I began telling him about our preschool's philosophy of education and our unique methods of reaching young children and aiding in their development.  When I was completed with that part of my pitch, the parent engaged in a question and answer session with me.  

The Parent:  Have you ever enrolled a child that dressed opposite of their gender?

My Response:  In our preschool classrooms, we have traditional and nontraditional dress up clothing. Children are allowed to dress up in any fashion they desire.  

The Parent:  I was thinking more like, if the child came into the program in clothing that didn't match the traditional gender (A boy dressed in a dress).  

My Response:  Absolutely!  All children are welcome here and however they enter our doors is the exact way that they will be loved and nurtured at the school.  

The Parent:  Have your teachers ever dealt with a situation such as our family?  Do you have any children that currently dress as my child does?  The father provided a little background by telling me that he and his wife have been raising their children in a manner that they allow them to choose their clothing, their activities, etc.  

My Response:  Our teachers are very diverse and fully open to diversity, which is a condition of their employment.  As far as the other children go, children enter our program in a diverse manner daily.  We promote love in the environment, as well as strong character development.  Helping guide the children through any questions that they may have are perfectly fine, as long as the approach is positive and uplifting.  

The Parent:  Do you believe that other parents would look down on our child or family?

My Response:  (candidly) If they did, they would have to deal with me.  

Several other questions were asked, and we ended the conversation discussing the Charlotte area in general and the large family networks that existed all around the city.  

Years later, I have certainly heard the phrase transgender often.  And, I have even been privy to the change in opinions over the years in the south as well as in many religious affiliations.  In serving children and their families, I enjoy being a part of 'diversity' making.  It has taken quite some time to familiarize myself with phrases that are less likely to offend others.  I finally have a diverse environment that seems to support me in my efforts to respect the human being that I serve.  In doing so, I still face times when my blood boils when I hear phrases such as, 'Tim, you're a boy.  And boys don't wear pink... or color with pink crayons.'  Just as I respect our great nation, I also respect each and every human being that exists herein.  I encourage my family, friends, and colleagues to take a moment to further a diverse agenda in education.  It's really the Only option that we have.

The link below is a beautiful article about a transgender camp that began this summer and was utilized by families in our country and abroad.  Take a peek and leave us an uplifting comment after reading.  

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/08/07/transgender-camp-offers-programs-for-children-as-young-as-4.html