By Luana Ribeira

• When Stacey Chillemi’s child came out as transgender, she had to mourn the loss of her son.
• Therapy helped her realize her child was still the same person on the inside — only happier.
• This is Chillemi’s story, as told to Luana Ribeira.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Stacey Chillemi. It has been edited for length and clarity.