There’s so much more to this than what I went through years ago. The world has polarizing opinions on the transgender community, especially when it involves an underage teen.
I can’t be the one to make this decision with Jayden. But I can be here for support.
Jayden’s shoulders slump. “My parents will never let me do this.”
“You don’t know until you try. Sometimes people surprise you.”
Jayden levels me with a look before I even finish speaking. “Trust me, I know my parents.”
I chew on my bottom lip as I glance out at the empty field. “I think transitioning is a big decision with lots of other steps preceding it. Start small. Take one step at a time.”
“Like what?”
“Like this.” I gesture between the both of us. “You just told me. That’s a big deal. You should feel really proud of yourself.”
A small smile pushes up Jayden’s cheeks. “Thanks.”
“Do your friends know? Any of your teammates?”
“I’ve been wanting to tell them, but I don’t want them to think differently of me.”
I get it. High school is a harsh place of judgement.
“Like I said, start small. Pick one friend to confide in, and see how it goes. The more people you talk to about this, the easier it might get to talk to your parents.” I touch Jayden’s shoulder. “You need a support system.”
Tears well behind Jayden’s lids.
“You’re not alone, Jayden. And don’t forget, high school is temporary. Once you’re an adult and you move on, you realize the world isn’t as small as it seems. Spend the time now thinking about what you want your future to look like, and be certain that you can achieve it. I think that’s my biggest piece of advice for you today: You have to believe in yourself and be confident that you will get the things you want.”
Jayden nods. “Thank you for listening.”
“Of course.” I pause. “Can I ask, do you want to be called different pronouns?”
I don’t want to keep referring to Jayden assheandherif it’s not whatshewants.
“I’d love to be called he/him.” A lone tear slips down Jayden’s cheek. “Thank you for asking that.”
“Jayden, you ready?”
My head snaps up to Jayden’s mother as she waves from the entrance to the parking lot.
I wave back. “Sorry, we’re coming.”
Jayden stands and heaves a sigh. “I told Mom we were going over game strategies.”
A tiny knot forms in the pit of my stomach. “We shouldn’t be lying to your parents, Jayden. It puts me in a tough position.”
“I’m sorry. I just didn’t know who else to talk to.”
“It’s okay. I’m here for you. We all are.”
“Thanks, Coach.” A timid smile spreads across Jayden’s face. “Please don’t tell anyone yet.”
“I won’t.”
It’s not my secret to tell.
I climbout of my Jeep and hoist my duffle out of the back seat before making my way up my driveway.
