Mother fights for acceptance of transgender daughter in New Hampshire

Abi Maxwell's memoir details her experiences raising her transgender daughter, Greta, in a New Hampshire community that is largely unaccepting of transgender identities. After moving from Montana to her late grandmother's home, Maxwell encounters casual homophobia, particularly in her workplace at the local library. Greta, assigned male at birth, reveals her true identity at the age of six, which coincides with her autism diagnosis, complicating her ability to communicate her feelings and needs effectively. Initially, Maxwell struggles to accept Greta's gender identity, continuing to dress her in traditionally male clothing and using incorrect pronouns. However, after finally allowing Greta to identify as a girl, the transformation is remarkable; Greta begins to thrive academically and emotionally. This change underscores the importance of affirming a child's gender identity for their well-being. Despite the positive developments within their family, Maxwell faces external challenges, including hostility from other parents at school board meetings who oppose pronoun changes and express bizarre concerns about bathroom access. These encounters highlight the pervasive discrimination against transgender individuals and the lack of federal protections for trans youth. Maxwell's narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by families with transgender children, emphasizing the critical need for acceptance, understanding, and support in society to prevent the mental health crises that many transgender youth experience.