U.S. Congressman says in tweet he has a transgender grandchild

[DonViejo]

Source: ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Democratic U.S. Congressman Mike Honda of California says on his Twitter account he has a transgender grandchild, an announcement that comes amid a national conversation about people who struggle with gender identity.

Honda posted the tweet Wednesday along with a photo of himself with his arm around a smiling child with shoulder-length hair.

He published he is “the proud grandpa of a transgender grandchild” and added he hopes the child can feel safe at school without fear of being bullied.

The San Jose Mercury News reports the announcement was welcomed by the LGBT community in San Jose, the city at the heart of his district.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2015/02/u-s-congressman-says-in-tweet-he-has-a-transgender-grandchild/

[BeeBee]

1. That's great. I wish all the best to the congressman and his grandchild. n/t

[riqster]

2. A gutsy family.

Good on them!

[7962]

3. I dont think its up to him to announce this. That should be the childs decision

The article doesnt mention anything from his grandchild. He may be bringing unwanted attention. We all know how mean kids can be, so he makes this announcement and says he "hopes" the child can feel safe?

[Marrah_G]

4. I doubt he did this without talking to her

She looks pretty confident about who she is in the picture. The fact that her family is proud and accepting can only help her in life. To many families are not accepting and are outright cruel or ashamed of their Transgender family member.

Signed,

Proud mother-in-law of a f2m transgender person.

[7962]

5. All the best to you & your family!

[Ms. Toad]

7. It is her decision.

She told her "Jichan" -- the Japanese term for grandfather -- she would like to be a role model for others and said it was OK to go public with her story. Still, her parents are not allowing her to be interviewed.

http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_27559981/transgender-grandchild-congressman-mike-honda-says-8-year

[NuclearDem]

6. Faith in humanity partially restored.

Couldn't be happier for Rep Honda and his granddaughter.