On the surface, Yalan (a pseudonym) was living the American dream. She and her husband, both doctors, were devoted parents who put their children before their successful careers. But their apparently tranquil family life was shattered by their daughter’s revelation that she was transgender.
As a medical professional, Yalan was horrified that her daughter would inflict what she saw as irreparable harm to herself.
Moreover, it seemed that the whole world was against her. Yalan found herself battling feelings of isolation and despair when she discovered that those around her daughter not only knew about her intentions, but encouraged her, all the while keeping the teenager’s parents in the dark.
Yalan recently shared her story with The Epoch Times.
‘Everyone Is Against Us’
Yalan and her husband, Christian immigrants from China, now reside in the Midwest. They were the parents of three children—two sons and a daughter—who were raised in the United States. Their youngest child, Mary, recently turned 19.
When Mary was born, Yalan took a five-year hiatus from her medical career to devote herself to her children. Once all her children were in school, she started a work-from-home job to balance her professional life with her responsibilities at home.
“Our greatest source of pride is our family,” Yalan reflected. All their efforts revolved around nurturing a healthy home environment for their children.
Therefore, Mary’s announcement that she was transgender and planned to have gender reassignment surgery sent shockwaves through their formerly peaceful family life.
“The sight of my daughter in this state is shattering,” Yalan said. “We are powerless in this struggle against the world. Everyone is against us. It’s a despairing situation.” She described an excruciating ordeal that tore her family apart.
Betrayed by Schools, Doctors
When the couple left China, “We had been through so much,” Yalan said. They trusted that things would be better in America. “We never expected something like this to happen in our family.”
Instead, Yalan says she was betrayed by the school system. “Never send your children to public schools,” she said. “The school board displays rainbow flags. They harm your children like this, turning them against you.”
Mary was “an exemplary child,” academically gifted and particularly advanced in math. “She’s incredibly diligent, disciplined, and kind. She’s such a wonderful child. We never imagined she would encounter any issues,” Yalan said.
Yet, two months shy of her 18th birthday, Mary unexpectedly disclosed to her parents that she identified as transgender and that she intended to transition after turning 18.
By Sean Tseng
