Trans-Parenting: How Daddy Became Mommy

MomLogic.com – Gina Kaysen Fernandes

Gina Kaysen Fernandes: For as long as Terry* could remember, she never felt comfortable with her body. The 35-year-old New Jersey native was born with XY chromosomes and had the right corresponding anatomy, but “my body parts felt wrong,” says Terry. As a child, Terry preferred to play with girl toys, have female friends, and tried to hide her urge to cross-dress. “My dad would flip a lid if I played with girl stuff.” During her teen years, Terry struggled with low self-esteem and emotional issues as she tried to suppress her hidden gender identity. Terry had no doubt she was a female trapped in a male’s body, but it would take years of anguish and psychological counseling before she could completely transform into being the woman and mother she is today.