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 Random Islands You Can Visit

    When most people think of island getaways, famous destinations like Hawaii, the Maldives, or the Greek Islands come to mind. But beyond the usual tropical hotspots, there are countless lesser-known islands waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems offer unique landscapes, fascinating cultures, and unforgettable experiences, all with a fraction of the tourist crowds. Whether you're looking for serenity, adventure, or something completely out of the ordinary, here are five random islands you can visit that promise an escape unlike any other:

  • Five Of The Highest UK Villages To Visit

    The UK is home to some of the most picturesque villages, nestled in valleys or perched on hilltops. But for those seeking altitude along with beauty, a few stand out for their impressive elevation. These high-altitude villages offer breath-taking views, fresh air, and a sense of serenity:

  • Five Old-School Desserts From Our Childhood

    While today's dessert trends lean toward gourmet creations and intricate flavours, there’s something undeniably special about the old-school desserts from our childhood. These humble, comforting delights remind us of a simpler time when sugary happiness was just a spoonful away. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit five beloved desserts from the past:

  • Five Incredible Acoustic Gigs That Transcended Time

    Over the years, there have been several acoustic performances that have stood out for their beauty, emotion, and impact. Here are five incredible acoustic gigs that have left a lasting mark on music history:

  • Five Delicious Chicken Wing Recipes Worldwide

    Chicken wings are a beloved snack and meal enjoyed across the globe, each culture bringing its unique twist to this finger-licking favourite. Whether they're fried, grilled, baked, or smoked, chicken wings can be a canvas for a variety of flavours—from sweet to spicy, tangy to savoury. Here are five incredible chicken wing recipes from around the world that are sure to excite your taste buds:

Get Social