Great piece of writing; I found it really moving.

It is sad that children have to respond defensively when they''re bullied and victimised with homo/transphobia, even if it doesn't apply to them. The poisoning starts young.

I know, I've been there. Naturally, I didn't even know what the insults meant when they were first issued, but I soon learned and they stuck.

I hope you get to have that conversation with the child - it could be very transforming for them.