I've posted previously, but am posting under parent to protect people involved. I like that people are using this platform as a means of discussion.
I have had several encounters with gender confused kids. I wouldn't really define them as such though, as I think this is trendy to many which is very sad as for some it's a real condition that I doubt many would chose.
Having a 17 year old expect me to use pronouns without a good explanation to me isn't going to cut it. I have the right to understand something fully before I chose to except it or not. Discussion of fashion isn't enough for me to call you a they/them especially when your parents don't know. It feels shady. I showed them a documentary on actual intersex children and how back in the day they mostly did female surgeries as they were easier and the mental torture that it was for some. The documentary defines actual INTERSEX people and had several different families presented. One decided to wait to see how their child grew up so they could determine their own gender. These would be the true they/thems. How offensive these kids are today to actual intersex children. Just FEELING a certain way doesn't make it so. You cant change your identity on a whim. The school law states they can use chosen name in some classes and not others? It's crazy! FCPS supports the whims. I do not but that doesn't mean I'm transphobic or non supportive of people who are actually struggling.