Mother: Debbie (57)

Daughter: Landon (22)

Kansas City, Missouri

“Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman”

Landon and Debbie are ride-or-die, best-friend girly-girls who call our country’s heartland, “home.” Both mom and daughter are estheticians: mom does nails and daughter, Landon does hair and makeup. When they’re not cuddling on the couch, shopping, vacationing, or dishing juicy gossip, they can be found poolside with cocktails in hand. On the outside they seem like the idyllic version of what a mom and daughter should be… but Landon didn’t start life out as her mother’s baby girl. Landon was born as…an adorable young man. Landon wasn’t the typical rough-and-tumble little boy. Instead of G.I. Joes and playing in the mud, Landon was more interested in where Barbie snagged her neon pumps. Debbie knew her son was different and so when Landon came out as gay she wasn’t surprised. Although Landon was accepted for who he was with open arms he knew that something was still missing. Landon always exuded feminine energy and was fascinated by women’s clothing, make-up and all-things beauty. He started to wear makeup, grow out his hair, and experiment with girls clothing until the realization took hold: Landon was born to be a woman. Landon adopted the more feminine name, “Lana” and now goes by both Lana and Landon.

When Landon revealed to his mother that he was transgender it was a process of learning, understanding and growth for both of them. Landon was only a teenager when she came out as transgender and didn’t yet have the words to vocalize or understand this complex realization. Debbie’s dedication as a mother was first tested when she was asked to understand that her son was gay, but now she was being asked to understand and accept that her son was actually a woman. She initially didn’t understand but through trial and error, both Landon and Debbie found common ground and connection. Together, they decided to help Landon become Lana.

And it was a coming out not to be missed! Lana was one of the first transgender people in the United States to be named homecoming queen by her peers in high school! She relished the significance of this event and felt overwhelmed by the support of her family and friends. When the Westboro Baptist Church came to protest, it was Debbie who spoke out and protected her daughter. Debbie has been there for the major ups and downs in Lana’s life. Through helping her shop for women’s clothing, guiding her as she learned to do her makeup, and even taking her to Florida to get a breast augmentation, Debbie has supported Lana at every turn.

Both Lana and Debbie believe that Lana’s transition made their bond even closer. What could have broken many families and relationships in turn made them achieve an even deeper level of connection. Now, they are each other’s safe space. So much so, they don’t know the meaning of the word “boundaries.” They share makeup. They share beauty advice. Nudity is absolutely not an issue. They’ll walk around topless together in the bathroom as they get ready for the day. If Lana needs help with a corset, guess who’s she’s asking for help? If she needs help doing her hair, finding an outfit, or being the best female version of herself possible, it’s mom that she is counting on.

As close as this mom and daughter duo are, not everyone is a fan of their unique bond. Dan, Debbie’s longtime boyfriend hasn’t always seen eye-to-eye with Landon. They’ve had their disagreements about Lana’s transition and Dan’s relationship with Debbie. The fact that Debbie is engaged to marry Dan isn’t a favorite topic of conversation with Lana.

Additionally, Lana isn’t the only girl in the family! Teresa is Lana’s older sister, and Debbie’s first child. Teresa feels as though she’s always been the responsible adult in their little family, since Debbie has always been the fun, “cool” mom.  So, when it came down to matters of responsibility and practicality it was always Teresa raining on the parade. When Debbie and Lana wanted to stay up late or take an impromptu vacation or play hooky at school, Teresa was there to put her foot down. Now that Lana and Debbie are living together, Teresa still has doubts about their super-close relationship. She thinks that they’re too close and are bad examples for one another.

Although Lana has come a long way from the shy, skinny boy that she once was, she’s not quite done becoming the fullest version of her female self. Through hard-work and disciplined saving, Lana has saved over $50k that she plans to use for a facial feminization surgery in Texas. Debbie and Lana already took a trip to Dallas for the consultation in July. Lana just need to raise ten thousand more dollars and she’ll be able to get the surgery. She’s already been able to raise so much on her own, she knows that she can get the rest. Debbie is going to be right by her side, helping Lana do whatever she needs to do in order to get the surgery. Debbie thinks that Lana is beautiful as is, but Lana still suffers from dysmorphia. When she looks in the mirror, she can’t help but see Landon looking right back at her. This surgery represents another step in becoming the woman that she knows that she is.