Annie's story, a trans childhood: "We are girls, boys, and children, and that's it."
Annie is a 10-year-old trans girl. This comic was created based on interviews with her and her family. It's a story about what it's like to grow up with a diverse childhood.
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This comic is based on the story of Annie, a 10-year-old trans girl. Like any child, she has dreams, friends, likes, and aspirations. Through her voice, we follow a journey of self-discovery that includes family support. But she also experiences exclusion simply for being a trans girl.
Who is Annie?
Annie is a trans girl who is not visible. She and her family have made this decision as a form of protection and care, especially in environments like school. If Annie decides to be visible when she grows up, she will have her family's support.
When Annie was six years old, during the Covid-19 pandemic, she would play with a sheet, turning it into a dress that she tied around her head with a bow. She also referred to herself using feminine pronouns. She did all this in secret, until one night her mother found her wearing the sheet dress and called her to her room to ask her about it. After listening to her, Vanessa told her daughter that she needed to know more.
Vanessa searched online and contacted the Association for Transgender Children . She sent a message via Instagram: “My child tells me they identify as a girl, can you help me?” Tania Morales, then director of the Association, provided support and information to the family.
Thus, some time later, Annie and her family traveled to Jalisco —the only state at that time to guarantee the recognition of gender identity to trans children throughout Mexico— so that Annie could have her birth certificate with her name and gender .
Today, Annie is growing up like any other girl. She wants to be a fashion designer or a model. She likes soccer, math, and science. Her favorite movie is Cruella. Her favorite band is Blackpink. And her favorite anime is Demon Slayer.
Her favorite outfit: light blue shorts and a pink and white striped tank top. Is it a coincidence that those are the colors of the trans flag ?
Annie's story reflects the experiences of so many children navigating their identity with dignity. It testifies to the crucial importance of family support, access to information, and networks for trans and non-binary children to grow up free and safe. The urgent matter is not debating their existence, but guaranteeing them a present and future free from violence and exclusion.
Juntes Narramos is a project by Malvestida , Volcánicas , GirlUp , Balance and Presentes to strengthen and amplify the voices of youth through narratives of diversity..
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