I have some big news to share and I feel a bit vulnerable about going public with it, but here goes.

There’s been a big transformation in my family over the past several months. In October, my 13 year old came out as transgender. I had always known her as my son Aidan and I had never had an inkling that she might not actually be male, so this was a complete surprise to me. Though my head was spinning when I received this news, I told my child that I was proud of her for exploring her truth, that I would always love and accept her as who she is.

That was over five months ago now and so much has changed. I have watched in awe as my son Aidan transformed into my daughter Nadia. At first, she was just questioning her gender. This wasn’t something she had known or suspected about herself until about a year ago when she was learning about the transgender phenomena and she started to notice she had some of the common traits. It helped her look at herself in a new light and understand aspects of herself she had long been struggling with. After she came out to me and her Dad as questioning, she started trying out a feminine identity. The effect was mind-blowing! Suddenly, this child who has struggled so mightily to find peace in this life, became joyful, self-assured, empowered, and much more at peace in the world. She wakes up smiling, she goes to school smiling, and comes home smiling. Suddenly she understands herself in a new way and she’s no longer feels afraid to be who she is. Her courage, clarity, authenticity, and vulnerability are truly inspiring.

I feel blessed to be her mom and honored that she feels safe enough to share this transformation with me. I am also grateful for the support and validation she has been receiving from her sister, her grandparents, her aunt, her cousin, her school, my partner and his kids, many great friends, and our community in Long Beach. Nadia is here to bring light to the world in a big way and I will do everything I can to support and protect her.Please join me in celebrating this beautiful child as she blossoms into who she really is! She hasn’t wanted me to take a lot of pictures yet, but I like this one.