Trans United Fund

In light of the recent rise of anti-LGBT bills, the Trans United Fund has released a new ad, “Meet My Child,” that centers around the experiences of  transgender youth and their families, who are calling on American politicians to get to know their trans families before continuing to legislate against them. 

“Meet My Child” features transgender children and their parents in their daily life, playing basketball and helping out in the kitchen. With honest discussions from the parents about their families’ journey towards accepting their children’s trans identities, this video both educates the audience what being transgender means and raises awareness about trans families’ lived realities.

One mother, Zoila Fajardo, looking directly into the camera, delivers a message for her trans daughter: “I love you, I accept you as you are, never be scared.” A study published by Pediatrics shows that transgender kids whose gender identity is affirmed by their parents are as happy and healthy as their peers. 

That message is followed by a mom and her trans son watching Ted Cruz spread harmful misinformation about the trans community to justify anti-LGBT legislation, such as in North Carolina, and an anti-trans political platform.The ad notes that in twenty states around the country, more than anti-trans pieces of legislation have been introduced recently, and the consequences for trans people and their families are real and life-threatening. 1 in 4 transgender people have been physically assaulted and as of May, 10 transgender people have been murdered this year, alone.

“The assaults, the deaths, the suicides,” says one mom, speaking about the climate in which her trans daughter is growing up. “She’s my heart. I don’t want to lose her.”

GLAAD asked Zoila why she chose to participate in this project and she answered:

“Because I am a mother who supports her daughter 100%. I love her unconditionally and it is my obligation and responsibility to work so that the world can be a better place for her. There is so much controversy around transgender issues because there is a lack of information and education about the topic. I have a mission…it is to share my story in order to educate others and in that way protect my daughter and other transgender people from the mistreatment, discrimination, insults, intolerance, disrespect, offensive jokes, and even hate crimes that they may face. I don’t want my child to have to face any of those things. Once, I was watching a video on the internet that showed a woman saying hateful things about transgender people, and my daughter happened by. She asked me about it and I explained to her that there were people who didn’t have any idea what it meant to be transgender and that’s why they talked this way. She said to me, “Mom, that’s your mission to educate others about us.” I’m glad that there are so many people out there with big hearts working to open hearts and minds. When I look into my daughter’s eyes I know I’m on the right path.”

According to the Public Religion Research Institute, those who share personal relationships with trans people are more likely to support trans equality, yet only less than 20% of Americans report knowing someone who is transgender. A spokesperson from Equality Federation notes, “Legislators and the public are getting to know trans people and recognizing that there are trans people in the community, and that there’s nothing scary about trans people. That humanizing is critical. It reduces that fear factor.” In amplifying the voices of trans families and their ask to be heard, “Meet My Child” helps introduce trans Americans to people worldwide.

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