In a just decided (July 23, 2015) unpublished decision (In re Emily S.) the Court of Appeals of California, Second Appellate District, has reversed a trial court's decision that denied, without a hearing, a biological mother's court petition to regain custody of a daughter.

Flag Day, in the US, has now been co-opted by folks who have their own agenda, and frankly, it's a frightening one.

Few of us, rightly or wrongly, raise an eyebrow when we hear of a dad giving up custodial rights. But, a mom? That goes against everything we believe -- or choose to believe -- about mothers. Still, it happens, and there are many ways to look at it.

"As a result of being transgender and accepting myself, my faith has grown deeper but still sits on the shaky foundation laid down by my family, the church and society."

Parental rights issues -- such as that of Sheena and Tiara Yates -- should never be decided based on the rights of one (or two) parents versus another parent with the omission of the rights of the child to know their genetic heritage. Children are not property and decisions concerning their lives must not ignore their needs and rights.