A Kentucky mom found a special way to let the world know she loves her transgender son. Heather Lundberg Green has two children, 20-year-old Adrian and 17-year-old Lucas.
Last fall, Adrian, who was assigned female at birth, came out to his mother and brother as transgender. Heather was caught off-guard by the announcement. She never questioned her love for her child, but she was genuinely unsure of the proper reaction. Heather made sure to assure Adrian that while she needed time to figure things out, it would be a process they worked through together. She never wanted her son to doubt his family's support.
In January, Adrian celebrated his 20th birthday. To mark the special occasion, Heather treated Adrian to a gender reveal-style photo shoot. She never anticipated that when she shared the photos on Facebook, over 18,000 people would see them. Her post went viral as people celebrated a trans young adult being supported in their truth, something that not enough transgender individuals get to experience.
A Kentucky mom was admittedly surprised when her child, assigned female at birth, came out as a transgender male last September. Heather Lundberg Green admits that she was simply unprepared for the moment.
"All the things we go through as parents — when they bring home a good report card, or get a lead in a musical, but nothing came to mind on what to say or do when your child tells you that they're transitioning," she told Good Morning America.
"I didn't know how to react and that's what I told him, but it was something we were going to work through and I would support him all the way," she continued.
That's just what the family did. Heather and 17-year-old son Lucas were there for Adrian, educating themselves so they could support his journey.
In January, Adrian celebrated his 20th birthday. Heather had an idea for how she wanted to celebrate the moment and Adrian's bravery. She decided to treat Adrian to a gender reveal-style photo shoot celebrating his gender identity.
"When your child comes out as trans, the best thing to do is create a photoshoot to celebrate the fact that he silently and bravely stepped out of the race that he never wanted to be in, found his own lane, and proceeded to win," she posted to Facebook, along with the photos.
"HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY, Adrian! You are without a doubt the most fascinating human I know and I will always be your biggest fan! I love you, I honor who you are and I respect your courage to be unapologetically you!! Let's celebrate!!"
Heather even posted some hilarious photos that show her wearing a fake baby bump. She wanted to signify that she was gaining another son. Blue balloons and "It's a boy!" signs decorate the photos.
The photo shoot proved to be a great time for the whole family. Adrian truly felt his family's support.
"It was a good time and it made me feel really great to have such an amazing family that would support me like this," he said.
Heather encouraged friends and family to share her post in hopes that more people would understand that a parent's job is to love their child regardless of who they are. She had no idea her message would reach so far. The post was shared over 18,000 times with over 30,000 reactions.
"Now, 23,000 people have seen it — so 23,000 people know I'm trans, which is a little scary but exciting," Adrian said of the post's reach.
While it's been a little intimidating, many people have reached out to share their support. "I've made some awesome friends along the way because of this post."
Adrian had some advice to share with LGBTQ kids thinking of coming out. "It's probably going to be a little terrifying to tell someone for the first time," he acknowledged.
"But even if they're not accepting, there is a community out there that is going to love and accept you. It'll be OK."
According to Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, 57% of transgender people who come out to their families experience some form of rejection. It's more important than ever for people to see families like Heather and Adrian's come together in acceptance. For trans youth, these are the stories that save lives.
