Gender..

Today's presentation was interesting..to say the least. It's not to say that I haven't thought about gender identity and what constitutes gender but I didn't realize the extent to which people have trouble with this issue. I've always known who I am and have never questioned the fact that my sex and gender match. It's difficult to understand the struggle if you have not personally experienced it. Seeing the presentation today, I think that I understand a little bit more. I do not know anyone personally who has struggled with gender and so while watching the presentation I tried to envision one of my friends or family members. I know that it would be hard for my family to accept if someone I knew or was close to was struggling with their gender but I know that they would come around and be supportive no matter what. I was honestly shocked by the short video clips of Nikki's niece and mother. I can't imagine living in a home where you are not accepted. As much as I hate to pass blame, the mother should take responsibility for pushing her daughter to the brink. I'm sure that other factors were at work but lack of support is HUGE for struggling teens. I feel for Nikki and her family having to go through something like that. However, I feel that it could have been prevented..like most teen suicides. People really need to work on being open-minded and accepting especially with their own children! Hopefully, people will take stories like Nikki's and learn from them...I know I have.