Major Crimes Episode 2.6

The writers of TNT's TV show Major Crimes worked with GLSEN to get things right for Episode 2.6 "Boys will be Boys" which aired July 15, 2013.

TNT describes the episode: "When a child with gender dysphoria goes missing, the Major Crimes division scrambles to solve the emotional case before it's too late. Torn between several suspects, the squad has to be careful as it tries to connect the evidence to a dangerous bully. Meanwhile, Jack Raydor (guest star Tom Berenger) attempts to make up for years of lousy parenting." I was very impressed with the way the show dealt with gender dysphoria - right down to the fact that the new DSM V language of gender dysphoria was used throughout the episode. The missing child was 13 and the characters in the Major Crimes police squad worked to stick with the child's gender identity throughout the episode. The mother of the child refused to acknowledge that she had a daughter and continually badgered her husband for giving in to the child. Despite the mother character being transphobic and having done less than what it is advised for parents of children with gender dysphoria, the Major Crimes characters, especially Captain Raydor, continue to advocate for the rights of the child and her gender identity - even with the mother. One of Captain Raydor's suspects was a teen bully who had perpetrated physical, verbal, and online violence against Michelle, the transgender child. However, the bully was not the murderer. One thing that I especially liked about the episode: the police respect of the gender identity of the victim. Another thing that I liked about the episode: the father's love of his daughter even though she was born a son. A third thing that I liked about the episode: several scenes showed Michelle, the transgender victim, before her death, happy with family and friends - making plans for a positive future as a woman Another thing that I liked about the episode: Captain Raydor said, "All murder is hate crime." Another thing that I liked about the episode: Some of Rusty's past came up since gender dysphoria often gets talked about at the same time as sexuality, but Captain Raydor advocated for not pressuring him and reminded that just because he was forced to work in the gay sex trade does not mean he identifies as gay. Overall, I think Major Crimes handled a tough subject in a sensitive, accurate and professional way.