When Matt became Jade

[Canadian Socialist]

Jun. 26, 2005. 09:06 AM

LESLIE SCRIVENER
TORONTO STAR

Many at Northern Secondary School were surprised when Matt H. announced last year that he was running for student council president. A somewhat lonely boy, he didn't fit the model of the popular, extroverted student leader. Everyone seemed to know the outgoing president. Matt was more reserved — he liked playing on-line games and writing. He was on the ninth revision of a fantasy novel.

Everyone told him he didn't have a hope of winning. But he got the signatures needed for a nomination. For his election campaign that spring, he made a funny video, an instant teenage classic that showed him drinking a smoothie made from everything in his refrigerator. On stage at an assembly, where he stood tall, at 6 foot, 4 inches, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, he made a short satirical speech that parodied campaign promises: "I'll prevent a gigantic meteor from crashing into the school," he boasted. He won a standing ovation. It was a narrow margin — 16 votes — but he won the election.

In December, just seven months later, students and teachers saw an entirely different school president. The acting principal, Tony Kerins, sent teachers a letter saying that Matt had made a "gender presentation decision" and would soon be dressing as a girl at school. For the rest of the year, Matt would be known as Jade.
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This is just a lovely story. So positive, with a great deal of background. Gives me hope for the younger generation.

[kedrys]

1. What a wonderful story!

Thanks for posting the link! It's so great to know that there are still smart and supportive families, understanding friends, and of course, brave teens who have the courage to be themselves and live the life they've always hoped for. Heartwarming! :applause:

[BearFlagDemocrat]

2. Alliance scum!

For the Warchief! No one defies the might of the Horde!

Cool story, though. I admire that kid, even if she is Alliance.

(56 Tauren shaman here)

[One_Life_To_Give]

3. Cool

Particularly like the way other kids seem to be supporting her decision.

[khashka]

4. Good for her

All the years of work I've done.... were for girls like her.

"Go forward in all your beliefs and prove to me that I was right in mine"

Khash.