GLAAD is excited to amplify a new video recently released by the Gender Research Advisory Council and Education (GRACE), a transgender-led national nonprofit organization working for equality, dignity, and respect for transgender people.
The video features Eric Childs, an Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran and father of a transgender teenager living in a small town in South Carolina, where some of the most hostile anti-LGBTQ legislation has been introduced in the country.
In the video, Eric states: “To me, serving my country was a defense of freedom, fighting for democracy … Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and I wanted that for my children one day.” The supporting b-roll shows clips of Eric’s time in service as well as photos and video with his family, including footage of him bonding with his son at a shooting range. Watch the full video above or at https://www.grace-now.org/fatherswithgrace.
A recent poll from Mason Dixon Polling & Strategy found that 71 percent of South Carolina’s registered voters believe that the government should not intervene in health care decisions that involve transgender youth and their parents. The findings echo a recent national Data for Progress poll, which found that 76% of registered voters believe that decisions regarding transgender care for youth should lie with parents or doctors, and not with the government.
“As a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, and a trans person myself, I know firsthand how sensitive topics of gender identity are in our country’s current systems,” said Alaina Kupec, GRACE’s Founder and President. “It is my sincere hope that this video makes its way through lesser-reached networks and serves as an example of the power of a father’s love and shows the breadth of unwavering and bipartisan support for transgender issues.”
H 4624, a proposed ban on health care for transgender youth, is pending In South Carolina and could pass before the legislature adjourns for the session on May 9. Earlier this year, Eric first testified before the South Carolina legislature against the bill in a recording that went viral.
“If you love your child, I need you to step back and love them enough to believe them when they tell you who they are. Love them at all costs beyond everything,” Eric says in the conclusion of the video released by GRACE.
GRACE does research-based advocacy to amplify transgender voices and build support, awareness and understanding. Eric’s testimonial is the first in a series of videos in their “Just Like You” campaign that GRACE will continue to release in the coming months. Learn more at https://www.grace-now.org/.
“The impact of this story cannot be understated,” remarked filmmakers Spencer Macnaughton and Kenny Wassus. “Families like Eric’s exist all across the country and debunk the notion that people with conservative values can’t also be in favor of transgender rights.
