I dont know if I am mad, disappointed, hurt or what this morning. I have some close friends who are experiencing a heartbreaking issue at their childs school. I will not name names or districts YET, but I will if I have to. My friends are parents of a recently-turned 6 year old boy named Tyler. Tyler is one of the most beautiful things I have ever met, because he is different by design. Most boys that age love Spider-Man, sports, and trucks-- Tyler loves to play and dress like his favorite Disney Princesses. Most boys like camouflage, Tyler is a fan of purple and things that glitter. Tyler is a gender-noncomforming child. A couple of weeks ago, Tyler started Kindergarten. His parents went above and beyond to inform the school of his uniqueness-- they wanted to make sure the school was ready for their child. His parents walk a fine line of allowing him to be who he is and protecting him for those who do not understand. Tyler doesnt wear dresses or pink clothing to school, but he does rock a glittery set of Princess tennis shoes In a conversation with his dad before school began; I told him how excited I was for Tyler to start school... that I believed the children would surprise him, that he would be protected with the love from his 5 year-old classmates. I shared some beautiful things I have witnessed volunteering at my childrens school, how things have changed in my eyes. It only took two weeks before ignorance reared its ugly head. One family took exception to Tyler and started mounting a campaign for him to be forced to wear boys clothes, said his purple kicks were distracting in class. Tyler came home from school last week and asked his dad if he was a vampire? The dad perplexed, inquired as to origin of the question. It seems a parent from the concerned family was volunteering that day and asked Tyler something with the words trans in it. The only word Tylerknew was Transylvania and thought it was a vampire reference. Nope... the volunteer asked a 6 year-old boy Why is your parents raising you like a transvestite? Are you shaking your head yet? Are you pissed or heartbroken... or all of the above? When I was told of Tylers first month of school, I felt like I was punched in the heart. There has been other moments... all equally heartbreaking. You should know that Tyler is being kept away from most of the ugliness, the concerned parents are no longer allowed to volunteer and in fact have pulled their children from the school as a form of protest. My friends have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and love from the other parents in that classroom. All they want to do is make sure Tyler is protected while receiving an education. They know the road is a tough one- they were surprised by the immediate and in-your-face ugliness that happened. Tyler is living proof that human beings are born who we are. I am hoping that sharing these details with all names protected will stop this from becoming a story, because the concerned parents are doing their best to make it one. There isnt a thing I wont say or do to protect this boy and his family. I hope this reaches the concerned parents in hopes they will see how loved Tyler is... not just by his family, and his classmates but by a society that chooses to judge people by their hearts and actions, not judge a boy because he wears purple sneakers. We need more Tylers in this world... and less un-evolved ignorant assholes. This kids heart is something special. To be continued..
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:44:32 +0000