7-year-old caught in a controversy of gender identification - WYP
A Texas dad’s desperate battle to keep his 7-year-old son from undergoing a gender transition championed by the boy’s mother has captured the attention of conservatives nationwide – including the Lone Star State’s governor, who announced a review of the case by top officials, even as all involved await a pivotal court ruling Thursday that could alter the boy’s life forever.
Jeff Younger petitioned the court earlier this month for sole custody of his twin boys, James and Jude, in an effort to prevent their mother, Dr. Anne Georgulas, from allowing James to begin hormone replacement therapy.
The What's Your Point? panel discusses the ramification of the divorced parents decisions and the rights of the child.
A Texas mother, a Texas father and their 7 year old son caught in a controversy of gender identification
The panel discusses the controversy surrounding a 7-year-old whose mother insists be allowed to transition to the opposite gender, the child's father opposes the use of hormone suppressing drugs and surgery.
According to Georgulas, who works as a pediatrician, their son is transgender, identifies as a girl, likes to wear dresses and goes by the name “Luna.” Younger believes the opposite, however, and is arguing James is a happy boy and a “social transition” or “medical transition” would not be in his best interest, The Texan reported.
James’ mom, who is divorced from Jeff Younger, initially filed a petition for joint conservatorship which required Younger to affirm his son’s identity by calling him “Luna,” something recommended by James' therapists. In response, Younger filed for sole custody. But on Monday, a jury returned a verdict in favor of Georgulas.
Although a judge will have the final say over the custody battle Thursday afternoon, Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, waded into the controversy Wednesday night as the case began making ripples nationwide, saying the state will be reviewing the case. “FYI the matter of 7-year-old James Younger is being looked into by the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services,” Abbott tweeted.