My Joy, Teresa Shields

When my 1st daughter was born, more often than not she would seek out Dad. Jokingly, I said, “The next one is mine.” And she was. Of my three daughters, Mia Joy resembles me the most and we share the strongest connection.

Mia means ‘mine,’ so literally my middle child is named ‘My Joy.’ When Mia went off into the world and decided to stop being known as Mia and go by their middle name Joy, I was reluctant to make the change. Joy is defining themself as a person on their terms.

I knew it was important to respect Joy’s feelings and provide much needed support through this journey.

As a parent of my LGBTQ child I am in their corner. I knew it was best to listen and support and let them be who they are and appreciate the joy it brings to see them happy.