Raising Ryland

Our Story of Parenting a Transgender Child with No Strings Attached

Nonfiction, Family & Relationships, Parenting, Prejudice, Family Relationships, Alternative Family
Cover of the book Raising Ryland by Hillary Whittington, William Morrow Paperbacks
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Hillary Whittington ISBN: 9780062388896
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks Publication: February 23, 2016
Imprint: William Morrow Paperbacks Language: English
Author: Hillary Whittington
ISBN: 9780062388896
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication: February 23, 2016
Imprint: William Morrow Paperbacks
Language: English

This powerful, moving story—which has already touched more than seven million through a viral video created by the Whittington family—is a mother’s first-hand account of her emotional choice to embrace her transgender child.

When Hillary and Jeff Whittington posted a YouTube video chronicling their five-year-old son Ryland’s transition from girl to boy, they didn’t expect it to be greeted with such fervor. Beautiful and moving, the video documenting Hillary’s and Jeff’s love for their child instantly went viral and has been seen by more than seven million viewers since its posting in May 2014.

Now for the first time, they tell their story in full, offering an emotional and moving account of their journey alongside their exceptional child. After they discovered their daughter Ryland was deaf at age one and needed cochlear implants, the Whittingtons spent nearly four years successfully teaching Ryland to speak. But once Ryland gained the power of speech, it was time for them to listen as Ryland insisted, “I am a boy!” And listen they did. After learning that forty-one percent of people who identify as transgender attempt to take their own lives, Hillary and her husband Jeff made it their mission to support their child—no matter what.

From the earliest stages of deciphering Ryland through clothing choices to examining the difficult conversations that have marked every stage of Ryland’s transition, Hillary Whittington shares her experiences as a mother through it all, demonstrating both the resistance and support that their family has encountered as they try to erase the stigma surrounding the word “transgender.” In telling her family’s story, she hopes she can assist the world in accepting that even children as young as five, can have profound and impactful things to say and share. What emerges is a powerful story of unconditional love, accepting others for who they are, and doing what’s right, regardless of whether those around you understand it.    

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This powerful, moving story—which has already touched more than seven million through a viral video created by the Whittington family—is a mother’s first-hand account of her emotional choice to embrace her transgender child.

When Hillary and Jeff Whittington posted a YouTube video chronicling their five-year-old son Ryland’s transition from girl to boy, they didn’t expect it to be greeted with such fervor. Beautiful and moving, the video documenting Hillary’s and Jeff’s love for their child instantly went viral and has been seen by more than seven million viewers since its posting in May 2014.

Now for the first time, they tell their story in full, offering an emotional and moving account of their journey alongside their exceptional child. After they discovered their daughter Ryland was deaf at age one and needed cochlear implants, the Whittingtons spent nearly four years successfully teaching Ryland to speak. But once Ryland gained the power of speech, it was time for them to listen as Ryland insisted, “I am a boy!” And listen they did. After learning that forty-one percent of people who identify as transgender attempt to take their own lives, Hillary and her husband Jeff made it their mission to support their child—no matter what.

From the earliest stages of deciphering Ryland through clothing choices to examining the difficult conversations that have marked every stage of Ryland’s transition, Hillary Whittington shares her experiences as a mother through it all, demonstrating both the resistance and support that their family has encountered as they try to erase the stigma surrounding the word “transgender.” In telling her family’s story, she hopes she can assist the world in accepting that even children as young as five, can have profound and impactful things to say and share. What emerges is a powerful story of unconditional love, accepting others for who they are, and doing what’s right, regardless of whether those around you understand it.    

More books from William Morrow Paperbacks

Cover of the book Lost and Found Sisters by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book A Song in the Daylight by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book Real Life & Liars by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book The Passing Bells by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book Jennifer Johnson Is Sick of Being Married by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book The Perfect Girl by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book Tease (Part Two: Chapters 7 - 14) by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book Up at Butternut Lake by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book Hate Mail by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book Her Own Rules/Dangerous to Know by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book The Blessings of the Animals by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book Bradbury Speaks by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book The Days of the French Revolution by Hillary Whittington
Cover of the book Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia by Hillary Whittington
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy