First Cut

The Boy Who Was Born a Girl

Features

Friday 04 September 2009

A transsexual is a person who strongly identifies with the opposite gender and who chooses to live as a member of the opposite gender or to become one by surgery.

The term transgender refers to someone who considers that they do not identify strictly to one gender or the other, identifying themselves as neither fully male, nor female. The term transgender includes a number of sub-categories, which, among others, include transsexual, cross-dresser, gender-nonconforming people, transvestite, consciously androgynous people and the term gender dysphoria is often used to explain these tendencies.

Mermaids

Is a support group for gender variant children and teenagers, and also their parents, carers etc. Support and information is given by volunteers who are either themselves parents of such young people, or (by arrangement if appropriate) some of the young people themselves.

The Beaumont Society

A national self help organisation run by and for those who cross-dress or who are transsexual. They welcome all transgender people and their partners, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, creed or colour, and all varieties from nervous new transvestites to those who are experienced and confident in their second gender.

The Gender Trust

The Gender Trust help adults throughout the UK who are transsexual, gender dysphoric, transgender, or those whose lives are affected by gender identity issues. Call their helpline 0845 231 0505 (local rate, Monday - Friday 10am -10pm, Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 10pm).

The Transgender Zone

Supports those who feel they are confused about their gender and those who are looking for support.

PACE

Offers a variety of support services for families where there is a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) issue. They include: a national helpline; family therapy; individual and couple counselling; youth groups and one-to-one support for young people identifying as LGBT. Call the family helpline 0808 1807 223 (free, Monday 9.30am -12:30pm, 3.30 - 6.30pm Thursday 6.30 - 8.30pm) or check out the website.

The London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard

A phone service for anyone in the UK on 0207 837 7324 (daily 10am-11pm). They offer information, support and referrals to lesbians, bisexuals, gay men, transsexuals and straight people wanting information on gay issues.

Depend

Depend offer free, confidential and non-judgemental advice, information and support to all family members, spouses, partners and friends of transsexual people in the UK.

Bullying Online

Contains lots of helpful information on all sorts of bullying including dealing with bullies who taunt others by text messages.

The National Self Harm Network or NSHN

A survivor-led organisation committed to campaigning for the rights and understanding of people who self-injure. There's plenty of information on their website for men and women who injure themselves, plus very active, mutually supportive, message forums.

The Site

The Site aims to be the first place for young adults to turn to when they need support and guidance through life. They believe young people have the capacity to make their own decisions and life choices, provided they have access to high quality, impartial information and advice. You can ask The Site advisers questions of all kinds on relationships, problems with your partner, arguments with your family and much more.

Get Connected

A free helpline and email service helping young people find the best support whatever their problem. It's especially good for anyone thinking of leaving home or has left home already. Call 0808 808 4994 (free from main mobile services, daily 1pm-11pm) or email: help@getconnected.org.uk 

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays or FFLAG

Offer confidential support, information and a sympathetic ear for parents, families, straight partners and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. On their website you'll find details of regional groups under the heading Parents Groups.

ChildLine

Free and confidential for anyone up to the age of 18. The free helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day on 0800 11 11. If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try the textphone service on 0800 400 222.

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  1. What a fantastic mum and son, both so loving and proud of each other. What parent wouldn't be proud to have a son like Jon. Not only is he kind, loving, intelligent and very open he his also very handsome. It was so inspiring to see a mum and son so close. Best wishes to both of you.
    Posted by trish on 23/11/2009 22:13:20
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  2. I was so happy to see a programme on this matter as I am trans myself. F2M, it certainly isn't easy what john is going through at school. He is very brave, your such an amazin person. I'm 20 now and well into my transition. You can do it!!
    Posted by Joe on 08/11/2009 22:35:10
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  3. what a fantastic story.words can't explain it.jon is a fantastic young boy who has undertaken a scary journey through life at such a young age im so happy that he has an increddible family support.i would like to say good luck for the future may ur life be full of happiness.people may say horrid things but always remember what you fought for.
    Posted by sinead on 13/09/2009 00:31:33
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  4. Wonderful programme - but why is the support section not listing Mermaids? We contributed a lot to the programme. This is a support group for gender variant children and teenagers - we will help parents too. www.mermaidsuk.org.uk. Please include is in the support section!
    Posted by Linda on 07/09/2009 17:31:47
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  5. after watching this program i was pretty amazed, that jon copes with his life and school so well, when i was about 13 i found out about transsexuals and knew i was one, i was born femail, but have known since i was about 4 or 5 that i wasnt a girl in my head, i told my mum i wanted to be a boy when i was about 7 and then again a little more seriously when i was 13 and knew it was possible, unlike jon i havnt been brave enough to live the life i would like to, and i know live, relativly happily as a girl, on the outside, but in my head i will always be a man, im now 18, and i dont know whether jon will ever read this post but i would love for him to know i respect him imensley and wish him ALL the luck in the world! he is one very special and very brave guy! i also wish his mother all the support she deserves
    Posted by xXxmexXx on 07/09/2009 02:29:39
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  6. What I saw of the programme it was superb, well edited and a fair reflection. Jonathan has a great attitude and fantastic support from his Mum. I can't see any repeat dates on More4 why? as other programmes have, I wish I had recorded the programme.
    Posted by jayb on 06/09/2009 13:41:19
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  7. I feel really happy to know that there is someone else out there that is going what im going through...i have noticed my male like behaviour since i was about 9 years old..and i dont really have no-one to turn to because no-one in my family would understand my situation..if anyone has any advice please reply to me...thank you
    Posted by L.D on 06/09/2009 00:13:25
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  8. About a year and a half ago I realised I was transgender. Jon's story has inspired me to look for more help as I realise that people can and will be supportive. I also realise that it is okay to be me- my friends have watched this documentary and are really mature. Jon and his mother are remarkable people, in, I suppose, a surprisingly remarkable world.
    Posted by Zach on 05/09/2009 14:21:29
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  9. I can't tell you how much this documentary meant to me. To hear another mother and son discuss this private matter so openly was quite refreshing. I just wanted them to know that by doing this they have touched us, this was not done in vain. It is still quite hard for me as a mother losing my daughter but I know that I have also gained in so many ways. My son is happy, I mean really happy now, this is just the beginning for him, life is so worth living now. I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU.
    Posted by mum&son on 04/09/2009 21:13:38
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  10. I just finished watching Jon's story and I was deeply touched. Jon is a VERY brave young man and I just want to wish him lots of luck and happiness in his life. Also, he has the greatest mother anyone could have, and it was very heart warming to see the binding and loving between the two of them. I must also compliment the maker of the film, Julia Moon. She did a wonderful job directing Jon and his mom so that they were able to so candidly talk about such difficult issues and allow the camera to look so deeply into their souls.
    Posted by Istvan Szekeres on 04/09/2009 20:51:12
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  11. In addition to the links offered in the "Help & Support" section, young trans people may benefit from visiting the following sites: Mermaids: family support group for children and teenagers with gender identity issues http://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/ Queer Youth UK: large forum run by young people, for young people, with an active trans forum http://www.queeryouth.org.uk
    Posted by Swarmy on 04/09/2009 20:42:59
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  12. What an incredible family. Jonathan is a most charming, balanced young man with the vigour and excitement that most 16 year olds experience but find difficult to show. This is no doubt in part due to his time spent living as a girl - socialised to develop empathetically, but also due largely to the strong and open relationship with his Mother. I've never left a message on these things before, but I hope Mum reads this. You are just fantastic, and whats so great is that Jonathan knows it too. The pride and love you felt for your son, despite the natural grief you felt at losing your lovely daughter were equally apparent. I felt moved by your story, and I hope I can be as supportive to my own son - whatever his journey turns out to be. Thank you for sharing it with us - both of you.
    Posted by Jen on 04/09/2009 20:36:48
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  13. Just watched The Boy who Was Born a Girl. What a lovely, wise young person, and what an amazing mum. I wish them all the very best - I'm sure they'll both gain so much from their experiences and go on to give a lot to others. Big hugs, K P.S. Loved the patchwork quilt too!
    Posted by Karen on 04/09/2009 20:36:26
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