On Air Now School Daze with Jenni Costello 6:00pm - Midnight Fatboy Slim - Gangster Trippin' Schedule

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 Most Delicious Pastries Worldwide

    Pastries are a universal language of indulgence, with cultures around the world contributing their own unique takes on this delicious art form. From flaky, buttery layers to creamy, custard-filled delights, here’s a list of the five most delicious pastries that should be on every food lover's must-try list:

  • Five Of The Most Stunning Sunsets In The World

    Sunsets captivate us with their breath-taking blend of colours, each unique to the place it graces. From vast deserts to bustling cities, sunset moments connect us with nature, offering both tranquillity and awe. Here’s five of the world’s most stunning locations to experience these natural wonders:

  • Five Amazing Disco Films to Brighten Your Day

    Whether you love a good dance floor, fabulous fashion, or simply need a feel-good escape, these disco films are sure to brighten your day. Here are five amazing disco-inspired movies that will transport you to an era of shimmering lights, soulful grooves, and the ultimate celebration of fun:

  • Five Incredible Bonfire Displays Worldwide

    The bonfire, an ancient tradition of fire and festivity, has become a canvas for celebration across cultures worldwide. Some of these fiery gatherings have evolved into massive public spectacles, where communities come together in awe of blazing art forms that range from awe-inspiring sculptures to burning effigies. Here’s a look at five of the wildest, most impressive bonfire displays that captivate audiences around the globe:

  • Five Unique Sauces From Around The World

    Sauces have a way of capturing the heart of a culture’s cuisine. The right combination of spices, herbs, and textures can bring out the richness of any dish. Here are five lesser-known but incredible sauces from around the world, each with its unique history and flavour profile.

Recently Played