I mention +James Hill coming out as my transmale son, primarily because over the past seventeen-going-on-eighteen years I’ve presented him as my daughter, Katherine. Given that I’ve talked about her (him) a lot over the past years in social media, if I just changed pronouns and names there are some folk out there who would scratch their heads and ask questions. And since it’s something I’m not out to hide, I thought I’d just be up-front about the matter.
While this has been James’ identity to himself and his parents and close friends for the past few years — a very considered, researched, and thoughtful recognition and understanding of who he is — it’s been a more deliberate process outside those circles. In the past months and weeks he’s come out to his grandparents and close family friends, he was open to the college he applied to, and he’s talked with his uncles/aunts and cousins, which covered all the people he felt he wanted to personally let know about it.
(For the record, the reactions from family have all been supportive, and I’ve been stunned by how cool his peers at school have been.)
At this point, he’s given permission for people to talk about it. So, here we are.
Pragmatically, its good timing; as he’s heading off to college in the fall, it’s an ideal time to establish his new identity in his new circles. Sort of like everyone does when they head off to college.
Anyway, hopefully this will forestall any confusion about future references I make to him. He’s our son. We love him.
In the words of that great fabulist philosopher, Stan Lee: ‘Nuff Said.
Congratulations James! And bravo to you Dave for being an awesome and supportive Dad!
Here's hoping that some day this would just go without saying.
Here's props to him and his journey.
He’s a fine looking young man. A chip off the old block.
Congratulations to both of you!
Grats. Glad to hear that family and friends are supportive. The world is slowly improving.
Congratulations, James!
Reminder, Pridefest is June 16-17.
Fantastic to meet you, James!
A good person is a good person. Be yourself, be happy, live a good life, and do it your own way.
I mourn the loss of the grandaughter and celebrate the coming of the grandson!!
Well, hello, James! Good for you. It’s nice to know you in a whole new way.
What a good news story. Congrats to you both!
❤❤❤
Wonderful! Congratulations! Welcome.
He picked the right parents! 🙂 I’m glad things have gone well.
To James! Hip-hip-hurrah!
I know this is going to come out wrong typed, rather than spoken, but it’s meant with the best intentions, and full support. But not actually surprised. Having watched you document your child over the last ? 13? years I’ve mildly wondered where they fell on the LGTB+ scale. I must admit I still don’t get gender identity, to me you’re a you, that’s how judge people. What’s it feel like to be a man, because I’ve spent 49 years as one, and I don’t know!
The only quibble is the name. My brother hates it, but I wish I was a Jim not an Ian!
Congrats James! Welcome. And to the supportive family, congrats as well.
You’re a wonderful father, Dave. James is very fortunate to have his family and I genuinely add my support to his transition and wish him a life of happiness and fulfillment.
Love you, James, by any name or gender. You’ve been one of my favorite kid friends for, gosh, 15 years or so. Remember Sid, the Build-a-Bear? Not just everybody got that invite. And, I’m looking forward to having you as an adult friend as well.
yea i think i will speak to a nice man here