On Father’s Day

After Father’s Day had come and gone, I heard about someone, a transgender girl, for whom this annual event only serves as a sad reminder of hurt, loss, and loneliness. Not usually something most celebrants think about on that day. But there are those who have parents with whom they are no longer able to communicate. Closed minds, closed hearts. So sad.

Disowned by her parents when she came out several years ago, this girl was totally cut off from them. An all-to-familiar experience for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Each Father’s Day (and Mother’s Day) is for her just another heartbreaking reminder of the cost incurred by transitioning to be her authentic self. Anyone who thinks being transgender is a “choice” clearly has no idea of just what those costs are.

According to her, the love she feels toward her parents will very likely never be returned in kind. Despite the hurt, she sends her father best wishes. I still miss him, she says, and I’m lonely. Happy Father’s Day.

I often hear these sad stories. Lives are at stake.

Yet there is reason to be hopeful. More and more people are becoming better-informed about what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ Community, that it is not a “choice,” but rather just how some are born. Greater numbers of parents are becoming aware too, and understanding, accepting, and extending the unconditional love every child deserves. More Happy Father’s Days for more children.