As many of you know, I have been in regular contact with the individuals involved with the Lipscomb case. They have asked me to release the following additional information that happened this week.
On Tuesday the family and their lawyers attempted to see Aurora. At first Franklin County Community Services (FCCS) would not allow visitation, but relented when their lawyers informed FCCS that their clients are to be available 24 hours.
As can be expected, FCCS has Aurora dressed as a boy and use her former name in referring to her. According to Aurora, they took away all her girl clothing and jewelry, and placed it in a trash bag, telling Aurora that she could not wear them because she is a boy. They are also not allowing her to act in a female manner, and are attempting to "reward" her for masculine traits and behavior, such as urinating while standing. Aurora has stood by her name and gender preference in spite of the above.
Additionally, no-one has been able to tell the family or their lawyers if Aurora is getting proper medication, and she has not been kept on her vegetarian and kosher diet. Finally, bearing in mind that the family is Jewish, Aurora has not been allowed to see a Rabbi yet.
The legal team and family are quite tired, and ask for your support to help them through.
Donations to their Defense Fund can be sent to 2121 South Green Road, South Euclid, OH 44121. Make checks out to "Aurora's Defense Fund." [Webmistress note - Donations from outside the USA should be made by International Money order]
If you would prefer to express your feelings about this, please write to the Columbus Dispatch (e-mail City Desk editor Mark Ellis, snail mail and phone number available at http://www.dispatch.com). Please also send a copy to Attorney Mark Narens, c/o Transfamily, 2121 S. Green Rd #2, Cleveland, OH 44121-3318. Please be sure to include the #2! (For e-mail, use imatmom@aol.com).
Please do try to keep your responses positive and please try to refrain from outright attacks on the FCCS or others involved in the case. The future of a 6-year-old child does indeed hang in the balance here.