The journey of gender | CNN

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The journey of gender

Updated 2:04 PM EDT, Tue September 27, 2011
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Since age 3, Thomas Lobel has told his parents that he is a girl.
The journey of gender —
Since age 3, Thomas Lobel has told his parents that he is a girl.
Thomas' mother, Pauline Moreno, observed that Thomas never smiled and his look was "of a child who was lost, that he simply couldn't find his place."
The journey of gender —
Thomas' mother, Pauline Moreno, observed that Thomas never smiled and his look was "of a child who was lost, that he simply couldn't find his place."
Two years ago, Thomas began transitioning, wearing girls' clothes and now attends school as a female, Tammy.
The journey of gender —
Two years ago, Thomas began transitioning, wearing girls' clothes and now attends school as a female, Tammy.
Tammy plays with a doll in her bedroom, where  she has a picture of Thomas on her wall.
The journey of gender —
Tammy plays with a doll in her bedroom, where she has a picture of Thomas on her wall.
Tammy's mom said of the transition, Tammy's "personality changed from a very sad kid who sat still, didn't do much of anything, to a very happy little girl who was thrilled to be alive."
The journey of gender —
Tammy's mom said of the transition, Tammy's "personality changed from a very sad kid who sat still, didn't do much of anything, to a very happy little girl who was thrilled to be alive."
Mario, 14, said he never genuinely felt like a girl, although he tried. "It felt it wasn't meant to be."
The journey of gender —
Mario, 14, said he never genuinely felt like a girl, although he tried. "It felt it wasn't meant to be."
Mario, who passes as a boy in school, said some of his family members rejected his gender transition.
The journey of gender —
Mario, who passes as a boy in school, said some of his family members rejected his gender transition.

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