Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

WATCH: 'I Don't Want Facial Hair': Transgender Girl, Eight, Has Sleepless Nights About Growing Up As A Boy

Since 2014, the Saccone Joly family have been documenting their daily life online to almost two million followers.

Jonathan and his wife Anna were just a young couple with a dog when they first started recording videos for YouTube, but they quickly generated interest when they filmed the birth of their first child, Emilia.

Embed not found

For years, they continued to make content for YouTube, and made lots of money in return.

But after reaching his 40s, Jonathan said he knew he had to change. He wanted to move away from "fluff" and concentrate on promoting positive messages about mental health and gender identity.

'The perfect mix of a girl and a boy'

Jonathan describes a childhood of trauma after he had to suppress who he really was.

"I grew up thinking that all the thoughts in my head were wrong. I know that left me with a lifetime of trauma," he said.

Jonathan recently revealed to his followers that he is non-binary and uses the pronouns he/him. He also announced his second child, born a boy, is now a transgender girl called Edie.

Through various films posted on their Saccone Joly channel, we see Edie, who has just turned eight, say goodbye to her former name Eduardo and watch her delight at being able to wear girls' clothes.

"She's beautiful, she's amazing because she is a perfect mix of a girl and a boy," said Jonathan. "She is probably the most understanding of all our children because she overcame something she oppressed as a child and then was told, 'Hey, you can blossom, it's okay.'"

Jonathan added: "I think the emotional intelligence of a child is something that people think, 'Oh, no, she can't have those feelings and have those emotions'. But if you talk to any adult trans people, they will tell you that they were trans from the day they were born."

Jonathan and his family have experienced a lot of "hate" from critics online about his and Edie's gender identity.

"People will say you're forcing it on her, or she is too young to know what is going on," he said. "But I'm like, that is your lack of exposure to that environment. You don't have a trans child, you are not a trans person."

Jonathan spoke of how Edie had told him of "sleepless nights" after seeing a video about puberty.

She told him "I don't want to grow facial hair", and asked him: "I'm going to have babies when I grow up, right? I'm going to be a mummy?"

"As a parent, I don't know how to answer that question because it's really sad to see a child just questioning it all," Jonathan said. "And then you get cisgendered people who have no experience to say that's wrong."

The family has an "exit strategy" if Edie would like to change her mind in the future.

Meanwhile, Jonathan hopes he can use his online platform to inform others about gender identity.

Schools 'lacking guidance' on gender identity lessons

New research shows almost 80% of secondary schools have students that identify as trans or non-binary.

A YouGov poll commissioned by organisation Sex Matters also found two-thirds of teachers would be interested in lessons plans from the government on gender identity.

The Department for Education said:

"We recognise that gender identity can be a complex and sensitive topic for schools to navigate.

"We will be working with the Equalities and Human Rights Commission as we consider our next steps for supporting schools in this area."

The calls for more support in schools comes after the government announced that a ban on so-called conversion therapy won't include trans people.

This prompted 100 organisations to boycott the UK's first global LGBT conference, forcing the government to cancel the event.

Jonathan said he was shocked at how much he feels society has gone backwards.

"I would have assumed we would be more accepting today," he said.

"To make a group of people in society feel excluded, it allows someone to weaponise what the government is saying and use it in a negative way to put in more controls and hold down people, which is so unfair."

 

More from Lifestyle

  • Five Of The Most Exotic Beaches In The World

    When it comes to beach destinations, some places stand out for their otherworldly beauty, pristine sands, and crystal-clear waters. From hidden gems to well-known paradises, here are five of the most exotic beaches in the world that beckon travellers with their unique charm and natural splendour:

  • Five Films Which Make Us Want To Go On Holiday

    Movies have a magical ability to transport us to distant lands, immersing us in breath-taking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and exciting adventures. From tropical paradises to bustling cities, here are five films that ignite the wanderlust within us and inspire a longing for travel and adventure:

  • Five Of The Most Unique Cocktails Worldwide

    Cocktail culture has evolved into an art form, with mixologists around the globe pushing the boundaries of flavour, presentation, and ingredients. From exotic fruits to unexpected spices, the world of cocktails is as diverse as it is delicious. Here are five of the most unique cocktails that you can find worldwide, each offering a distinctive taste and experience:

  • Five Seaside Locations Perfect for the Warmer Weather

    As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, thoughts naturally turn to seaside escapes. The UK boasts a diverse coastline, from rugged cliffs to sandy shores, each offering its unique charm and activities. Here are five seaside locations perfect for enjoying the warmer weather:

  • Five Fantastic Destinations To Visit In June

    June is the perfect month for travel, as it offers a delightful combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a host of seasonal activities. Whether you're looking to relax on a beach, explore vibrant cities, or immerse yourself in nature, here are five fantastic destinations to consider for your June getaway: