Psychiatrist Says Schools Shouldn’t Be Required To Tell Parents If Child Assumes A Different Gender Identity

Jennifer claims her daughter’s school hid the 10-year-old’s gender identity change from her for five months. She says that even though she loves her daughter unconditionally, the school didn’t give her the chance to be a part of the discussion or ask for her input. Dr. Safai, a psychiatrist who says she treats many trans students, weighs in. “If the child could have gone to the parent, they would have before going to a teacher,” Dr. Safai says. “Whether it’s fear of not being accepted or, in some cases, safety, they chose to go to the next best adult, which is the teacher. If you break that confidence, if you break that trust, the kid has nowhere to go.” In the video above, Asra Nomani, a mother and advocate at Independent Women’s Network, and Eli Erlick, co-founder of TSER, Trans Student Educational Resources, also weigh in on this heated topic. On Friday’s episode of Dr. Phil, “Inclusivity or Indoctrination? What's Happening in Schools Today?” the panel of experts dive into the complex debate over gender identity and transgender inclusivity in schools today. Check local listings to see where you can watch. TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Strong opinion you want to share?