The letter will explain that a boy in the second grade will soon be showing up at school dressed like a girl, and by the way, don’t worry about it.  It usually takes dozens of years for people to be so confused about their gender that they start dressing like the opposite sex. Dr. Dean Byrd of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality says the second grade is far too young. 

“Premature closure on such an important issue as gender identity doesn’t bode well for young children.” 

Byrd says most children go through curious phases as they explore the world around them.

“Boys are curious about boys and they’re curious about girls. I don’t want this to be translated to a label for a child so young.” 

The boy’s school is accommodating the child. They will call him by a girl’s name and give him access to unisex bathrooms. Spokesperson Whei Wong says they are also prepared to address the concerns of other students and parents. 

“We found some resources online that talk about gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, what it means, what are some of the expectations from advocacy groups” 

Byrd says the school should focus less on political correctness.  

“Let’s just say I am very concerned. Good science, not activism, should guide such decisions.”

Instead he thinks the school should safeguard the rights of parents like Dave M, who told Denver’s 9 News he has concerns.

“I see this being a very difficult situation to explain to my daughter as to why someone would not want to be the gender that they were born with.” 

The school is also promising to have mental health professionals on site working with kids in the school and their parents. The district is working with TransYouth Family Advocates, whose vision statement says, “Every person has the right to self-determination of gender identity and gender expression regardless of their age.”