They say when something bad happens, look for the people doing good; the heroes. In all the chaos and hurt of our journey with C, we have met so many heroes. The obvious ones like C's therapist and endocrinologist, and the not-so-obvious ones like allies in the class room and the school nurse who does free manicures on the side for LGBTQ folks. But there's a hero right here in our house, too.
Several months ago, our middle child was challenged to do a "make a difference" project at school. While most kids were volunteering at elementary schools or serving at the food kitchen, our E chose to start a Gay-Straight Alliance club at his school. Folks, this was no small feat. In our large school district, there was not a single GSA in any middle school. Adults were hesitant and concerned about the implications, but he forged on. He found a faculty sponsor, he connected with a local GSA coordinator for high schools, he got his hands on a how-to handbook, he met with the principal and the counselor of his school, and he didn't take no for an answer. Last week, after months of planning, he succeeded in setting up the very first middle school GSA in our entire district. And I couldn't be prouder of his support for his sister.
Y'all, THIS is what an ally looks like.