Published
Sascha’s birth certificate says “male”. But this ascription is incorrect – neither for the child nor for the mother. Because Sascha is trans non-binary.
- from
- Alexander Wenger
- Christiane Binder
- Zora Schaad
In the hospital, children are sorted into girls and boys – neither of which works for Sascha and mother Elena.
Private
Elena wants to give her child the opportunity to develop their own identity.
Private
In the hospital, children are sorted into girls and boys.
Sasha (7) does not fit into this scheme.
Mother Elena gives her child the freedom to develop their own identity.
“In the manger, Sascha became interested in unicorns, glitter and hairstyles. I let it go. I didn’t want to pigeonhole my child », says mother Elena * (45) from Zurich. But as Sascha * got older, the environment began to ask questions. «Some said that this phase should be over soon and that I should raise him ‘normally’. As a feminist, I would force him into something », says the 45-year-old cultural scientist.
Sascha has long hair, wears pink spangles and likes dolls. But he’s also a brawler, plays with superheroes and loves to swear. Some see him as a wild girl rather than a boy. He himself already seems aware of his special role: “Some time ago he asked me if he could get to know other princess boys,” says Elena.
The mother of two is convinced that Sascha is not just trans and wants to live as a girl. «It’s more complex. I suspect that it is somewhere between girls and boys. He’s neither one nor the other, »Elena said of the Zurich Pride Podcast (on Spotify and in the 20-minute app).
A system with two categories is called “binary” – comparable to computers that work with the numbers 0 and 1. Non–binary expands the field and describes all genders that are not exclusively female or male. Some non–Binary people use new pronouns such as hen, they, xier instead of “he” or “she” or dispense with pronouns entirely.
The association “Transgender Network Switzerland” has an advice center on the subject of “trans children”. The “Children and Youth” department at TGNS advises parents. “Many don’t know that gender identity develops early on. Between two and four years. We recommend listening to the child and asking what they want. Sometimes it helps to try different clothes at home or during the holidays and call out a different name. ” Coming out in the classroom could also help. There could be problems at school in particular, for example if half-class lessons were separated by gender.
If you ask seven-year-old Sascha about his gender, he just rolls his eyes or runs away. The question annoys him. “Fortunately, he is self-confident and does not allow himself to be intimidated,” said the mother. But how his story will continue is still open. Sascha’s mother says: “As of today, we use masculine pronouns. If one day he wants a different name, we’ll adjust that. Puberty blockers are also an issue with him. He doesn’t like beards. But maybe everything stays the way it is. I’m there for him anyway. ”
Alexander Wenger is the presenter of the Zurich Pride Podcast.
Zurich Pride Podcast
Several times a month, Zurich Pride presenter and host Alexander Wenger and presenter Jeannine Borer interview extraordinary people who tell their life stories. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals as well as trans, inter and asexual people – or to put it simply: «Queers» – tell their very personal story on the microphone. Whether new ways of life or unusual fates – the Zurich Pride Podcast introduces them. It can be found on the 20-minute app in the radio / podcast area or on Spotify.
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