Over The Rainbow

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...”

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.

“How would you describe living as your old self: pre-transition?”

“When I lived as my old self, I felt annoyed and frustrated. My parents were not listening to me.”

Joyce added, “I knew that she was sad. I would ask her what was wrong, knowing full well what she was going to say. ‘Because I am not a girl’.”

“Who could you talk to about how you were feeling when you were living as your old self?”

“I could speak to Mum and Dad. My kindergarten teacher was very supportive. She knew that I wanted to be a girl. She purchased a princess dress in my size, especially for me to wear at kinder.”

“If you could go back to your past self now, what would you want to say to yourself?”

“September, you are a great TikToker! You have beautiful long hair.”

“What could you do back then that you cannot do now?”

“Stand up and pee.”

“What can you do now that you could not do back then?”

“Wear makeup. Play for a girls’ basketball team. Wear high heels.”

“Have you ever been bullied?”

“Yes. I have been bullied. I was in Year Two, and the girl was in Year Six. It was an ongoing problem. I couldn’t understand it, as she was friends with the other trans student.

“She kept on taunting me and repeatedly saying, “Why are you a girl?” I felt uncomfortable. Mrs Parkinson was my special person that I could go to if I needed support. She dealt with it. The bully apologised.

“Every time there is a bullying situation at my school, the classes undertake a bullying activity about what makes a good friend.”

“Tell me about your favourite sport?”

“I love basketball and have been playing since 2015. The Victoria Junior Basketball League fully supported me. “My parents contacted the president of the Ballam Park Boomers and asked what the support would look like if I were to transition?”

The reply from Kellie, the president, stated, “If anyone in my club has an issue with this, then they can damn well leave.”

Kellie emailed Frankston Basketball Stadium informing them that a player had transitioned and the child will be playing in a girls’ team.

After September’s first game as a girl, Kellie asked the families and coach to stay back and have a chat. Kellie was supported by her husband, who wished to take a visible role in the meeting about inclusion.

Kellie introduced September to the families. She said, “We love the Tonks family and we will be supporting them in this matter.” She continued, “It would be unfortunate if your children were to leave the team because of this, but I would also be okay with that.”

“If there’s something that you would like to share with the readers, what would that be?”

“You can do anything and you can achieve everything in life.”