Justice for Lucas--A Transgender Child

At a young age, Lucas made it clear that he was not a typical girl. Throughout his childhood, he struggled with gender identity and has sought counseling and therapy for gender dysphoria.

Lucas is being raised by a single Mom. Currently, there is a custody battle going on in Texas family courts. As it stands, Lucas’s father is trying to get full custody, and take Lucas from his mother, solely because the father does not believe Lucas when he says he is transgender. By school age, Lucas told his mother he would rather be dead than live his life as a girl.

Our friend never thought she would find herself in this position; raising her son and fighting for custody all because he is transgender. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that more than half of transgender male teens reported attempting suicide. We know those numbers decrease substantially when transgender children have parental support. If Lucas’s father succeeds in this lawsuit, Lucas will no longer live with a supportive parent. Lucas and his mom need your help.

This case will likely set precedent in Texas for how the courts evaluate whether a parent should have custody if they support their children who identify as transgender. This is not a case that is supported by Lambda Legal because there are no national legal implications. Lucas’s mom needs over $150,000 for her attorneys, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other expert witnesses necessary for a one-week jury trial in the beginning of 2020.

Any funds raised in excess to what is necessary will be placed in a fund to assist other families with transgender children. Every amount helps. If you cannot give any, please spread the word.

Lucas and his mother need your help.