Parents of children exploring their gender identity

The Denver boy turned away from Girl Scouts because of his gender has brought to light questions about labels and a spotlight on the discussion of gender non-conforming children.

A group leader said the boy could not join because of his “boy parts,” his mother Felisha Archuleta told CNN affiliate 9News. Archuleta doesn’t label her son, who has been bullied and taunted. “I consider Bobby to be born in the wrong body.”

Gender identity and sexual orientation are different. Sexual orientation refers to an individual’s enduring attraction to another person, whereas gender identity refers to one’s internal sense of being male, female, or something else, according to the American Psychological Association.

Gender non-conforming children who do not receive support from their families are at higher risk for mental health issues, attempted suicide and drug use, said Real, citing research at the Family Acceptance Project.

via CNN.com