Photo: CourtesyAriel Cannon Photography
A Los Angeles mother is being praised for sharing her child’s nonbinary identity with friends and family on social media.
At the end of November, Jennifer Chen shared her family’s holiday card onInstagram, featuring a smiling photo of her husband Brendan Hay and their twins Chloe and Clark. Chen used the post as an opportunity to introduce her followers to Clark and their new pronouns.
“I’d like you all to meet Clark (formerly known as Claire),” she began. “Clark prefers they/them/he pronouns and would like to be known as my kid/my son who is non-binary. Clark asked us to tell our friends & family who they are now.”
Listen below to an interview with Jennifer Chen onour daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.
“Brendan and I support Clark in their journey. Chloe is the first to correct me when I accidentally use the wrong pronouns or name,” she continued. “As a family, we love Clark and support whatever their journey might hold.”
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CourtesyAriel Cannon Photography
Chen said Clark pointed to the nonbinary description and told her, “That’s how I feel. I don’t feel like a boy or a girl.” The family then began supporting their new identity with different clothing, hairstyles, a new name and pronouns.
“For me, when we’ve honored their choices to cut their hair short or wear clothes that feel like them, the JOY & LIGHT on Clark’s face is what lets me know that we are doing the right thing,” Chen added in her post.
She added that she’s also received numerous messages from strangers.
Under the post, Chen’s followers raved about the family’s authenticity and she wrote that she’s received numerous messages about families with similar situations.
“Thank you for lovingly supporting Clark. My AMAB child (16) recently came out to me as non-binary. I’m struggling a bit with pronouns but it’s getting easier with time and use. Thank Clark for their courage in wanting to explain to all of us who they are! Welcome, Clark! Lots of love to you! 💛” one person wrote.
Another user commented, “You guys are the most amazing family and supportive to one another… An inspiration and brings a tear of joy to my face and heart ❤️.”
source: people.com
