78 Comments
User's avatar
Hal's avatar

You are not alone in this. It will be a long road to our collective recovery from this moment, but better days are ahead. In the meantime, remember God, who notes the fall of a sparrow and numbers the hairs on our heads

Expand full comment
Hazel-rah's avatar

Congratulations brother! From one dad-of-a-desisted-daughter to another.

We are walking through a recent battlefield, on our way to the next one where we are still needed. We grieve those we have lost, but we gotta celebrate what we can, when we can 🎉🥳👏

Expand full comment
MO's avatar

Us too. Our daughter is finally back in school, at a new school. We are so relieved that she came to realize that she wasn't really a boy and that medically altering her body to be more masculine wasn't going to help. But we are scared too. One of the two girls she likes the most in her class is socially transitioning to male and the other identifies as non-binary, and our daughter is lonely and insecure. She hates hearing these new friends talk about their realizations that they aren't "really" female but also knows she can't talk them out of it and doesn't want to talk about what she went through. But she is also feeling lonely and hopeless because she doesn't feel feminine either and doesn't see any peers who are uncomfortable with their bodies or are non-conforming to gender stereotypes but also accept or embrace being female (because they believe themselves to be trans or non-binary). Where are the teen girls and young women who can serve as role models in expanding what it means to be a woman, as women?

Expand full comment
Sharon Lee COWAN's avatar

I wish we had pushed back more forcefully when our daughter was 14 and "came out" as trans-identified. She is now 21, has been on hormones for almost two years, and is unrecognisable. She has said she'll be going off the "t" now, because she is satisfied with the changes she has achieved, but does not consider herself a detransitioner and still intends to have surgery someday. So no victory lap here, either.

Expand full comment
EndThisMadness's avatar

I can't tell you how happy I am for you, your daughter and your family. I admire your will to stay in the fight, this is not over for so many. God bless all of you.

Expand full comment
Delightful Oddling's avatar

Very happy to hear your story. Our daughter also desisted (almost two years ago) and I understand what you say about standing in solidarity with the families still fighting for their kids.

Expand full comment
Anon's avatar

Thanks for sharing the unbelievable amount of work you had to do & for so long, & with four other children to take care of.

Expand full comment
High Noon's avatar

Congratulations. Success comes in small steps. You have obviously worked hard to save your child from these "progressive" lies. Both you & your wife should be proud, but as you acknowledge the war against this insanity is never over. Good luck.

Expand full comment
Running the Race's avatar

I know what it is to have survivors guilt that your child made it out as you watch friends children getting sucked in. BUT this is an occasion worthy of celebration! It’s okay to feel relief and happiness while still helping and fighting for others. I hope you and your wife and family shake off the heaviness that can settle on a family from the trans fight, and when you have those joyful moments of desistance (her name, clothes, etc) go ahead and enjoy them!

Expand full comment
Indio's avatar

Thank you! I rejoice with you, and pray for continued progress. How precious it is that you can say the words, "She is desisting." It is totally understandable that you are not yet running a victory lap, that is your compassion and experience speaking but do know that your beautiful article has gladdened my heart, and many others. How we, the families still deep in the trenches, need the stories of success and desistence, such as yours. I pray for justice to come for all those complicit in furthering this insane ideology, I pray for mercy for all who have suffered and all those still suffering. We are so grateful for each beloved person who makes it through, so please do write more as time goes on. Love, Indio

Expand full comment
Ann's avatar

Thank you for sharing your positive story. It is so nice to hear.

Expand full comment
Concerned mom's avatar

I am so happy for you!

Expand full comment
Deb DiPietro's avatar

So happy to hear this. You did all of the hard things and it is worth it. If only we could have controlled the internet sooner. 😔

Expand full comment
paleblue's avatar

"How deeply misogynistic the trans movement is at its core."

I agree, 100%. I find it difficult to believe that the affirmers can't also see it. Perhaps they simply won't allow themselves to believe that the Left could be guilty of misogyny, as that runs completely counter to the progressive narrative.

Expand full comment
MsFrizzle's avatar

This is such awesome news for you and your family. Thanks for keeping up the fight.

Expand full comment
Merrie's avatar

So pleased for you, your daughter, and your whole family! Good work! As a mom still in this nightmare with a daughter already damaged by wrong sex hormones, I think it’s perfectly fine for you to feel victorious about saving your daughter! That is some feat 💪 May she continue on this healthier path!

Expand full comment