When Dad Says "Call Me Mom"-Chris

Quick Overview

Christopher King recounts the emotionally difficult experience of his father coming out as transgender when he was young, detailing the resulting family turmoil, his father's subsequent need to live authentically, and the lasting negative impact this had on his relationship with his father and his own emotional well-being.

Key Points: Christopher King began playing football in the fifth and sixth grade, during which time his father started dressing in women's clothing (wigs, blouses) and using fake fingernails. The father announced he wanted to be a transgender woman in the 1990s, a concept that was not widely discussed or public at the time, causing confusion and distress for the family. Following the announcement, the parents separated when Christopher was around nine or ten, and the father moved out, leading to limited contact (about once a week). The father eventually started hormone therapy, which caused his voice to change, and he was reportedly taking hormones before the divorce was finalized. Christopher felt immense anger and resentment because he felt his father was choosing to live authentically at the expense of the family dynamic, leading to him not wanting to talk about it openly. The custody arrangements involved court-mediated therapy sessions where the judge reportedly told the father he needed to spend more time with Chris and address his own transition openly. Christopher ultimately learned that his father fought hard to stay in his life and was a good influence, even though the situation was traumatic and led to him having to seek therapy himself.

Context: Christopher King, interviewed for the 'Soft White Underbelly' series by Mark Laita, shares a deeply personal story about his childhood experience when his father decided to transition and live as a woman in the 1990s. King discusses the confusion, anger, and family upheaval that resulted from this revelation, particularly how it affected his relationship with his father and the ongoing legal battles concerning custody.