In 2007, Jeff and Hilary Whittington welcomed a baby daughter. But when Ryland learnt to speak she would shout 'I'm a boy' repeatedly.
Despite her parents best efforts, Ryland rejected everything girly, and naturally gravitated towards everything masculine.
Jeff and Hilary tried to ignore the issue - being told by friends that it was 'just a phase' and that Ryland would grow out of it.
But Ryland didn't. And when, at age five she started saying things like 'When the family dies, I will cut my hair so I can be a boy,' and crying: 'why did God make me like this?' the family realised action needed to be taken.
After seeking professional help, they came to the conclusion that Ryland was transgender, and despite being born with a female anatomy, was male in her brain.
The family were encouraged to let Ryland transition into her true gender as soon as possible, and so they cut off her long blonde hair, started using he and him, and sent a letter to their friends explaining the decision.
Hearing that 41% of transgender people attempt suicide due to lack of societal acceptance, compared to the national average of 4.2, the family were convinced they had made the right decision.
'Relative to the horrific things people have to endure with their children all over the world…this is nothing,' they say in the video.
Their son 'is still healthy, handsome, and extremely happy,' and they describe how proud they are of their 'amazing' little boy.
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