A transgender resident shares her thoughts

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – Many people have had their say on House Bill 1080, the transgender transitioning minors bill.

However, few have expressed their views on the matter from the perspective of someone who has experienced the transition.

In an exclusive interview, reporter Beth Varden spoke with a woman who began transitioning three years ago.

Danielle remembers feeling like she was different from the boys in kindergarten.

“You should play with the boys,” he said. “I didn’t want to play cars and trucks; I wanted to play at home.”

In a family with strictly assigned gender roles, Daniel was told to change.

“It was wrong to be that way and I grew up believing that I was a bad person.”

The internal struggle turned into a dark pit.

“I thought that if I was dead, it would be easier for my family and many other people to accept me instead of being transgender.”

The search for answers continued.

“I spent tens of thousands of dollars trying not to be Daniel’s way and I couldn’t do it.”

Then she received a diagnosis.

“Yes, it is true that I have gender dysphoria. Then the question became, what should I do?

Danielle approved the treatment, researched the surgeons, made the transition mentally and physically, and has no regrets.

“I have never been so happy with myself, with God. I mean, even with all the heartache at the expense.”

When it comes to House Bill 1080, Danielle said, “I believe both sides are right and both sides are wrong. Allowing a child to transition unless they are truly transgender and truly need to transition is the worst thing you can do. But keeping a child who really needs it is absolute child abuse.”

She believes that more research can help in understanding gender dysphoria.

“The problem becomes, ‘How do we know?’ And that’s really the crux of the matter.”

He has a message for lawmakers: “I’m saying it’s wrong and dangerous for both parties to treat our opinion as fact. And I think it should be mostly between the doctor, the therapist, and the person themselves, with parental guidance.”

For those facing the same questions Danielle once asked, she said, “Get as specific as possible. Is this something I really need? Is this really me?”

“Hold on. There is hope,” he said.

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