My first post on the Transyouth Family Allies list serve, 2 years ago

Hi, I'm new,

I have an almost 9 year old son named L who is questioning his gender identity. On top of that, he's adopted from China, home just 6 months. As we get less uptight (yeah, I know) he has been pushing the boundaries... nightgown at night, Disney Princess pillows, blankets, etc., pink socks at school and necklaces, now a new dress for Chinese New Year's with sparkly silver shoes to match.

In China, when he told us he wanted to change his name it was to Anika, although we were hoping he'd said "Anakin" as in Skywalker, who it turns out, he has a crush on.

So we're going to have to be figuring out the next steps. Should he be talking to somebody trying to figure this all out, or should we just let it flow where it goes?

He's already talking about wearing a dress to school, though, so we have to do something.

When asked he'll tell me he doesn't feel like a girl trapped in a boys' body, he just REALLY likes traditionally girl stuff. I can't be sure how honest this answer is yet. Being adopted, he's likely to be a little cautious about wanting to please us.  (Although, frankly, from day one, he asked for a dress.)

He doesn't seem to mind his penis. He definitely is preoccupied with images of boys who wear dresses. Did you see the superbowl commercial where the topless blond turns around and it's a male teen in a wig?

Wondering what the next step is...