Over the Rainbow
Let the Children Lead By Celeste de Vis
Every transgender child has a unique and valuable story to share, which is why it was so important to take the leap of hope, faith and courage to speak up to adults in their lives about who they are. Many parents have a history of resisting when their child initially began voicing their feelings about being the gender opposite to the one assigned at birth. Evidence suggests that children who are supported to transition experience fewer tendencies toward depression, self-harm or attempted suicide. Introducing September Rose September Rose is an 11yo girl. She is one of five children and lives with her parents and grandparents. September is being raised in the cultural values of her Mauritian and English heritage. The family are Christian and her Mauritian grandmother is the matriarch. The children converse easily and it was quite comical to watch them banter, laugh and joke with one another.
There was so much evidence in the home that amplified love, support, empowerment and pride. September is a TPOC, a Transgender Person of Colour and, for over four years, she has attended Rainbow Connections youth and family group with her family. I feel privileged to have been able to follow September’s journey over the years and to witness how she has grown to be a beautiful, intelligent and vivacious young lady.
September’s Interview “How old were you when you transitioned?” “Six years and six months.” “When did you know that you were really a girl?” “My cousin Cameron used to stay with us when I was little. She loved watching Dora, the Explorer and I would sit next to her and watch it too. I fell madly in love with Dora! I wanted to marry Dora!” September’s mum Joyce added, “She knew that she
“September is a TPOC, a Transgender Person of Colour...” 48
Supernal Magazine
was a girl from a very young age; at eighteen months old. We would try and push Diego onto September. We got a Diego DVD for her, but she would have nothing to do with Diego.” “Were there any other trans kids in your school?” “Yes, one. Safe Schools Coalition (SSC) came out to the school to undertake professional development with the staff and help the child transition.” Mel and Matt from SSC attended the school to advocate for September. Due to the school already supporting one transgender child and being educated in gender diversity, September’s transition was almost seamless.