What Happens if You are Born in the Wrong Body?

I have long come to rely on NPR News for a more in-depth news experience that you really can't find many places anymore.

But chopping out almost an hour of All Things Considered for a thoughtful portrait of children facing gender identity issues?

That was unexpected drive-time surprise this week. I sat in my car, unable to get out until the touching set of stories by Alix Spiegel finished.

Over two days, she profiled various families across the country with children who from an early age demand to be identified as the opposite sex from which they were born. This conundrum forces many difficult choices onto the parents trying to do the best for their children.

Unafraid to shy away from the gray areas of what could be a simplistically sensational topic, NPR took the time to patiently paint the anguish of the decisions each family is making, and the varied voices guiding them on this relatively uncharted path.

I found myself agreeing with some decisions, disagreeing with others. But never did I feel like anyone was being demonized or belittled on one side or the other.

It is nice when a broad panorama of a complicated issue is laid out to you, and you are given the opportunity to react, instead of being told what conclusion you need to find. For all the families profiled, this was a very personal situation being transmitted nationwide. They deserve credit for finding the strength to come forward and tell their stories.

You can, and should, listen to this groundbreaking series online:

Part One: Two Families Grapple with Sons' Gender Preferences

Part Two: Parents Consider Treatment to Delay Son's Puberty