Hello, Avery!
With her first “Avery Chat” video, Avery Jackson shared the story of her transition. In the video, she explains how she knew that she was a girl, the fear she had about telling her parents about her transgender identity, and then how she eventually shared her identity with her parents. In a four-minute video, Avery shares a personal story that echoes the pride she has in who she is. Viewers will be swept away by the bravery and wisdom that this little girl displays.
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Despite the fact that Debi Jackson, Avery’s mother, had never heard of the term “transgender” before a Google search, she and her husband, Tom, have supported their daughter throughout her transition. They took Avery to a child psychologist when Avery announced her gender identity and then took the psychologist’s advice: Let her be a girl.
Their love and support has been unwavering toward their daughter and because of it they’ve lost friends and family members, but have made lasting friendships with people across six continents and have done so much for other trans children by just supporting and loving their own.
There is that part of us that looks across at Texas with a smirk of satisfaction: Oh, the generation that rises!
Those who disapprove have no idea who they’re dealing with.
But that is for another day, and maybe we can put it to rest for Avery and all her young brothers and sisters. You know, we can’t pin all our hopes on future generations.
But for now, yes: And we are so amazed.
Thank you, Avery! The world needs a bit of your sunshine right now.
And a note to Tom and Debi Jackson: Thank you. Thankyouthankyouthankyou. Really, words fail. But thank you for standing by Avery, and thank you so much for sharing your experience with the rest of us.
#StandSpeakWinLove
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Image note: Avery Jackson, 7, confidently explains the world in her own unique way. (YouTube, 6 May 2015).
Temblador, Alex. “Why We Love 7-Year-Old Transgender Activist, Avery Jackson, And Her Incredible Family”. The Huffington Post. 21 May 2015.
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