20:20 My Secret Self Complete Documentary

Overview

The 20/20 documentary follows three American families raising transgender children. It examines the children’s experiences, their families’ decisions, and the challenges of social and medical transition.

The Families

Jazz Jennings

Jazz Jennings, six, was born biologically male and had persistently identified as a girl from a very young age. After a specialist diagnosed gender identity disorder, her parents, Scott and Renee Jennings, gradually allowed her to live as a girl at home and then more openly in public and at school.

Her parents describe supporting her rather than directing her, while worrying about her safety and acceptance. Jazz says she is a girl and sings about imagining a world where she can be herself.

Riley Grant

Riley Grant, who was born Richard, began insisting she was a girl as a toddler. Her parents, Stephanie and Neil, initially disagreed about how to respond. Riley experienced severe distress, including saying she wished she were dead.

After a diagnosis and her transition at school, she faced bullying and anxiety about others learning she was transgender. The documentary describes her family’s plan to use puberty blockers and later estrogen, explaining that these treatments have potential benefits and risks.

Jeremy Singer

Jeremy Singer, born Rebecca, came out to his parents as a boy in a letter at age 14. He cut his hair, wore male clothing and a chest binder, and later began testosterone after a period of depression and conflict with his mother over whether she accepted him as male.

He describes feeling that physical transition was necessary to live as himself.

Themes and Medical Considerations

The documentary presents transgender identity as distinct from simply being a feminine boy or masculine girl. It says there was no established explanation for why some children are transgender, though it mentions theories about prenatal hormones.

It discusses the uncertainty and decisions surrounding medical treatment, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgery. It also addresses limits and possible consequences, such as infertility and health risks.

A broader theme is the impact of social acceptance. The families describe finding support through online groups and conferences, while the children recount teasing, discrimination, and fear of rejection. The program cites a study linking family rejection with substantially higher risks of suicide attempts and drug use, and argues that parental support can help protect children’s well-being.

Presenters and Contributors

Barbara Walters; Scott and Renee Jennings; Jazz Jennings; Stephanie and Neil Grant; Riley Grant; Betsy and Peter Singer; Jeremy Singer; Dr. Marilyn Volker; Dr. Joe Olson.