Health National Geographic Puts a Young Trans Girl on cover

[Wesley]

Apparently, the issue will be on the cover of the January 2017 edition of National Geographic.

There is a short article that appears on Yahoo, which can be read here:

https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/national-g ... 23593.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The import of the article is a reflection of the "BAD" statistics regarding transgender. Such as:

-Seventy-five percent of transgender youth reported feeling unsafe in school, according to the National Center for Transgender Equality.

-78 percent of students reported harassment, 35 percent said they had been physical assaulted, and 12 percent reported instances of sexual violence.

-25 percent of all transgender youth report attempted suicide.

My only real comment is in regards to the cover comment, ostensibly from the featured 9 year old mtf, who comments:

“The best thing about being a girl is, now I don’t have to pretend to be a boy.”

Before everyone throws out a "Good for her" message, Please reread the statistic regarding 25% of transgender youth and attempted suicide.

Advocates have forced the issue to the forefront. It would not seem fair to the children. This should be a privacy issue for the child and family. Not a public spectacle.

I have no doubt the opinions will be widely varied. . . Thoughts everyone?

[DonnaT]

If I recall correctly, that cover will be on mailed magazines, and the ones on the news stand will have a different cover.

As for that cover, I don't think she should have been allowed to put herself so out in the open. Being open at home and around friends and peers is fine, but nationally? Too many bullies out there.

[Lacey Hadley]

A minor going trough the world or life of transgenderism, needs not be some poster child to any magazine or cause. They are minors and do not have the developed intellect, info and power to govern their life as such. I'm fine with articles being written on transgenderism in the minor age community but not for sticking a child's face on a cover or in a photo spread or in a video. The child has not gotten to an end point with their gender and this exposure will likely not help them.

Stories on persons who have reached the age of majority and as such personalize to one or more persons is fine as they made an informed choice. But a child lacks such capacity no matter how smart we all may think a child can be.

I'm all for us educating society about the trans community, but not in personalizing such with using children.

[Martina Hall]

Some of the right wing web sites absolutely exploded over this.

[DonnaT]

Yeah!

I wonder why there are so many people that think they have the right to tell others how (not) to live their life?

[Diana Michelle]

Bravo Donna! I just love it when people say they want people and the government out of their life but want it in mine!

National Geographic is a reputable publication and has been around as long as I can remember. I am certain they obtained permission from the girl's parents before considering placing her on the cover. I am sure the parents as well as the girl realize they are opening her up to the tasteless remarks, bigoted slurs, and hateful actions of the ignorant knuckle draggers of the world. It is sad to be kind that alleged adults feel the need to ridicule and bully an innocent child who is only attempting to live her life as she see fits. As one that took that path many years ago I understand what it takes to make that decision and stand tall to your convictions regardless of what others say or do. This young lady and her entire family should not be held out in ridicule but rather praised as pioneers and heroes. Their motives I am certain are in the best interest of the young lady as well as the entire TG community.

It is not for us to judge the reasoning of the girl or her family but rather stand behind her and show her there are people that truly care. It is easy to "Monday morning quarterback". Let us not do that but rather stand up and show everyone we understand this poor child's plight and support her.

[Eileen (SO)]

We had a NGS subscription for many years, quite helpful when raising a family. Until it started getting into more social articles such as this one. NGS is well respected and has a wide readership. Transgenderism cuts across all societies, how each culture deals with this issue would be an interesting article.

However, how TG issues have anything to do with geography is beyond me. Guess I'm a knuckle dragger. Flinging insults and name calling toward anyone with different ideals is not very 'tolerant'.

The article may be very informative for those that wish to read it. It does not belong in a magazine devoted to, or was, geography.

Eileen

[DonnaT]

The magazine has never been just about geography, but also included information on the various people indigenous to various areas.

Trans folk are indigenous to all areas.

[Eileen (SO)]

Quite true, Donna. NGS is more that just geography. The people that live in certain areas adapt to the climate and geography in which they live. Since transgenderism cuts across all cultures, it seems this is more a politically correct social issue. Just by responses on this thread, if some don't agree, they are a knuckle dragger.

I may buy this issue because husband and I are interested in the subject. Just as I bought the Vanity Fair issue featuring Caitlyn Jenner. I don't believe NGS is the right venue to explore the topic.

After reading such articles, I should have free will to form my own opinions without name calling. So let's drop that right now. Tolerance works both ways or it's not tolerance.

There have been many stories or short films we have read/seen. I still have a hard time accepting that a child is so gender aware that they want to live as other than how they were born. I'm not in denial that it may happen, just very hard to understand for someone that never questioned her identity.

Eileen

[Diana Michelle]

I am sure the parents as well as the girl realize they are opening her up to the tasteless remarks, bigoted slurs, and hateful actions of the ignorant knuckle draggers of the world.

If I am going to be quoted I would appreciate whoever quotes me quote the complete sentence rather than taking words out of context to fit their agenda!

National Geographic is and always has been a well respected that not only addresses geography but also societies, peoples, and issues around the world in an apolitical manner. Transgenderism is an issue the world is starting to accept as a integral part of society today. Yes there are still people who are trying to at best deny its existence or push it aside as a mental abnormality and deny even basic human rights to transgendered individuals, especially the transgendered youth. The fact that National Geographic is stepping up and attempting to at least bring to light the issues facing the entire community regardless of their age.

[Anne Bonny]

It is a very informative series of articles focusing on many different facets, some not directly related but still as in the previous thread this is a huge well established journal which can only serve to educate any who may be curious enough to pick it up. I think the problem is most people will skip this issue...I noticed a bunch not sold for this month as February comes on.

They do discuss that the development of the brain is a separate event than the differentiation of the genitals, which takes place in the first two months while the differentiation of the brain takes place in the second half of pregnancy. Different environments of hormones, nutrients, medication, and other chemical substances several weeks apart in the womb that affect sexual differentiation. There are differences in the density of gray matter or the size of the hypothalamus. Transgender brains closely resemble those of their self identified gender than those assigned at birth. TG males white matter was not typically male or female but in between but the studies are small and sometimes include people who have already started taking hormones.

It is a special issue and touches on a broad spectrum...terms...and many other topics like the children in the Dominican Republic who develop a penis about age 12 due to an enzyme deficiency....the intersexed....Covers a lot of information...I am still reading it. How women are treated around the world but I do not see how that relates specifically to gender so much as woman's rights and equality...Anyway if you have not seen it and are interested go pick it up.



*** Topic merged to proper ongoing topic by SL. ***

[Eileen (SO)]

There will always be persons that are abusive or hateful toward things they can't or won't understand. This is one objection I have of featuring a child on the NGS cover. Wrong subject and wrong publication. That's my opinion.
The purpose of enlightening the uninformed is to offer good information and not insult anyone who disagrees. Tolerance means understanding that there always be some who will not accept alternative lifestyles or transgendered children. I've stated that a child that makes this decision is difficult to take seriously. Even though I've seen cases which the child seems truly transgendered, I have doubts and reservations on this subject concerning prepubescent children.

Diana, you have a penchant for derogatory remarks for those not following your agenda. 'Knuckle draggers' in this post, 'morons' in another thread, in just this month. It's difficult to even try to self educate one's self while being insulted for free thinking.

I politely asked the name calling be dropped, yet you defended doing so. Quoting a well known movie line, "We have a failure to communicate".

Eileen

[Anne Bonny]

Hadn't thought about that Eileen...You are right about Children they are a special category and must be protected. I do believe Children should have their privacy protected and that these decisions should be between parents and providers who are competent in the field. I also believe Children who are very young and who by definition are persistent, insistent, and consistent over time must receive the prolonged careful handling and consideration that they need as they come of age through childhood into adolescence and into adulthood. You cannot attempt to brainwash and force a child to be something they are not and can never be if they are not destined to be a cis gender adult, or to be a trans sexual or gender expansive child if they are not.

Was not aware of difference of opinion here. I do agree if a child has been found to be transgender by competent providers, and if they and the parents and child agree once this is established after it has been ongoing for several years then it is a decision that still rests at this time with the parents on behalf of the child. I do have reservations though about minors making certain choices...they cannot drive a car, drink, or vote.... It is very difficult to say for sure if this child will ultimately still be at maturity who they believe or feel they are at this time so it might be better because they are a minor not to go on the cover of a national magazine for life as transgender...but then again at this time there are numerous less responsible television "news" shows who put such families on the air all the time. I suppose it ultimately rests at this time really with the parents and a child who is probably not mature enough to really choose. This will always be a controversy unless a law is passed limiting parental rights to make this decision on behalf of their child.

But a magazine or journal is free to publish on topics of interest. There really is no gender revolution rather gender is coming out of the shadows imposed by the rest of society because it has always existed in the same numbers we are seeing they were just forced to hide which has been a violation of their human rights to live freely and openly so that they can just be who they are, who we are.

[Eileen (SO)]

I should explain my opinion on this subject of TG children. Our local and very small grade school is in dire financial straits, it may be forced to close. We are newer to this neighborhood, but neighbor parents, their kids and grandkids went to this school. Because of ONE TG child, this school is being forced to spend tens of thousands of taxpayer money to refit washrooms and gym shower areas.
As a parent and mother, I would never allow a genetic male to change, shower, or compete with my daughter in any school activity. She has rights as well. I highly resent this waste of money and violation of privacy rights to accommodate one child.

Lawsuits on each side are costing everyone in property taxes, involved or not. But here's the interesting part, the child just wants to be left alone and go to school. Single Mom is the one insisting on suing the school district for special accommodations. I don't know what TG children or adults did in the past, it seems like there are millions more now than before. Maybe counseling each individual instead of retrofitting an entire building might help the high suicide rate and the backlash from the majority of parents.

Considering this subject's young age, I'm conflicted on the right course of action. If my opinion that no government should force young girls to share private areas with genetic males makes me a 'knuckle dragger', so be it.

This will always be a controversy unless a law is passed limiting parental rights to make this decision on behalf of their child.

I respect your thoughtful response, Anne. However, the health and welfare of children should reside with parents first, before government.

NGS chose a child for the cover photo to boost sales, that's shameful exploitation of a minor.

Eileen

[Anthony Simon]

Diana Michelle wrote:

I am sure the parents as well as the girl realize they are opening her up to the tasteless remarks, bigoted slurs, and hateful actions of the ignorant knuckle draggers of the world. It is sad to be kind that alleged adults feel the need to ridicule and bully an innocent child who is only attempting to live her life as she see fits.

My impression, on reading this, was Diana was referring to Donna's earlier post, where she said:

As for that cover, I don't think she should have been allowed to put herself so out in the open. Being open at home and around friends and peers is fine, but nationally? Too many bullies out there.

So I thought that the bullies in Diana's post were the ones in Donna's post. Those are the people characterised as "ignorant knuckle draggers of the world" IMHO. The people seeing the cover and traducing the girl in public. I didn't read it as having to do with the people on this forum and still don't.