Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
In 2011, ABC's 20/20 aired Boys Will Be Girls, a powerful and emotionally charged documentary that took an in-depth look into the lives of transgender youth and their families. The four-part special explored the struggles, triumphs, and challenges faced by families trying to support their transgender children, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of young people who are navigating the complexities of gender identity and transition. With a deep focus on the experiences of children, teenagers, and young adults, Boys Will Be Girls highlighted both the personal stories of transgender individuals and the medical, social, and psychological issues that accompany gender transition.
The first two segments of Boys Will Be Girls introduce Jack, a 10-year-old biological boy who identifies as a girl named Jackie. The story of Jackie’s transition is both heartwarming and challenging, reflecting the complex emotions that parents and children experience when faced with the decision to live as one’s true gender. At a young age, Jackie’s family—like many others—was confronted with the reality of gender dysphoria, as their child consistently expressed a strong desire to live as a girl.
Jackie's case was significant not only because of her young age but also because of the immediate and brave steps her family decided to take in supporting her identity.
