Family of transgender student reacts to bathroom ruling

A federal judge in Fort Worth blocked President Obama’s directive on transgender access to public school bathrooms.

The decision came as millions of Texas students had their first day of school, including one Denton transgender boy whose family spoke to FOX in May.

The family doesn't expect their son's routines will be impacted by the new ruling. They say they worked out a bathroom agreement with their school that's working for them. It was implemented a year and a half ago, long before the politicians stepped in.

Getting ready for dinner Monday afternoon at the Briggles consisted of conversation centered on the menu, Minecraft games and 8-year-old M.G.'s successful first day of school.

“He came home, bouncing, telling me awesome stories about his friends and his teacher,” said the boy’s mom, Amber Briggle.

M.G., biologically born a girl, for years told his parents he was a boy. Just before his seventh birthday, his parents say he began to struggle at school. It was the driving force behind the reflection and research that lead to a transition – theirs, not MG’s because he always knew.

“This was not us like on a whim, a child putting on a Halloween costume and then taking it off the next day,” said Amber. “There was a lot of discernment that went into this.”

The school was supportive. The Briggles don't want to give details, but say the district is accommodating their son's bathroom needs, and M.G. is thriving.

“That next report card, his reading levels shot up three grades in the remaining three weeks of that grading period,” explained Amber. “And I mean, he's surpassed them ever since because he feels like himself.”

They say he's confident enough to let the family share their story.

"To help people understand and make personal connections to get past some of the confusion, some of the fear and some of the anger,” said M.G.’s dad, Adam Briggle. “That's why it's important for us to be doing this.”

The parents say it’s important they share their story to help shape opinions.

“Dan Patrick, if you're watching, you and your friend Ken Paxton are invited to my home anytime,” Amber said. “We will clear our schedule. You just let us know.”

The family believes this will also be an issue in the next legislative session. They plan to watch that closely in defense of their child and other transgender kids in the state.