Jennifer Sumner (JS) and Kaysen Ford (KF)

JS: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

KF: I am a martial artist, I play the stand up bass, I am learning how to play the guitar, and I am transgender.

JS: What level are you in martial arts?

KF: I’m a level two blue belt. That means I’m halfway to black belt.

JS: What is your favorite subject in school?

KF: P.E.

JS: P.E.?

KF: Or lunch.

JS: What grade level were you in school when you decided to tell your friends and family that you were transgender?

KF: It was around fifth grade when I told my friends and family I was transgender because up until then, I did not know that the word existed. It was misery every day. I hated being called a girl. I hated being called a daughter. But most everybody — my family, friends — they were just: ’Okay!’ Because they kind of knew it was coming.

JS: Yeah.

KF: Over the summer, I went to art camp. And they did not know I was transgender. They just called me ”he.” And that was awesome.

I think the happiest moment in my life would probably be January 16th, 2015, 8:45pm. You bought me boxer pants.

JS: You’d been telling me for quite a while that you wanted boxers. You were wearing all boy clothes. Getting boy haircuts. And that was like the final change. And you were just ecstatic.

KF: That was awesome.

JS: Is there anything else you would like for people to know about you?

KF: Well, even though I’m transgender, I’m a kid too. I have homework to deal with; I have tests to deal with.

JS: I have been extremely proud of you because you have been true to who you are. And you’re very courageous.

KF: It shouldn’t be scary to be who you are. I mean, maybe a little bit at first. But it’s way happier this way. Trust me.

JS: I don’t think you realize what a leader you are. People look up to you because you are not afraid to take a different path. And we know that it’s your life and you’re the one that’s got to live it, but we are there for you every single step of the way. And we’re going to do whatever we can to lighten your load. I’m very proud to be your mom.

KF: I’m proud to be your son.

JS: [Laughs]