The transgender movement and society’s wider understanding of it has developed a great deal in the past ten years, but there are still people that steadfastly refuse to believe its legitimacy despite stories like this one, where someone’s happiness at being allowed to exist as their genuine sex is palpable.

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37 year old Fran Norris says that her nine year old daughter Autumn first told her that she was actually a girl when she was seven years old and known as Anthony. Her name and gender have now been officially changed and she’s much happier for it, as Fran explains:

Autumn was always been very feminine when she was Anthony. Her choice of activities and toys were all things that were marketed at young females.

Anthony would ask to have his nails painted or have his make up done, but I just thought he was curious and experimenting or enjoyed role play – I didn’t think he was gender aware.

So when Anthony finally approached me, everything fell into place – it all made sense.

She’s so much happier now, she can be who she wants to be and she loves it. Her behaviour has gotten better ever since the change.

I want other parents to know that if their child is going through this, they’re not alone and it can be a beautiful thing.

When she said she wanted to be a mum someday and I told her she wouldn’t be able to give birth to a baby, she started to well up.

But after a little cry, she said it’s okay because she would adopt all the children that other people don’t want.

When it comes to big questions, she was so mature – she has such a lovely way of turning a negative into a positive.

I think everyone should have the right to be who they want to be. Why should we say she has to be that person?’

I don’t care at all about colour, creed, religion, anything – if the child wants to be female or a male, that’s up to them.

If you’ve been told it’s wrong that’s what you’ll think, but opinions would be different if these prejudices weren’t taught.

I mean she has got a pretty good point there really hasn’t she? Although I’ll admit that it’s unusual for someone so young to transition, it seems like Autumn is adamant about it so fair play to her. Hopefully Autumn and Fran’s story will inspire others and won’t be ruthlessly trolled, although I doubt that.

For more of the same, check out this story about a transgender woman finding love with the man who rejected her when she was male. Heartwarming.