Creating Jay
Embedded Files
Karina Patel
Team Eisert
Jay Ripple, a trans 17-year-old, navigates identity as he enters adulthood with the support of family and his community. He lives with his mother and younger sister in Maryville, Mo. His father is out of state for cancer treatment after being diagnosed in February. His mother holds everything together with love and patience.
“We agreed that we would support whoever our kids wanted to be, but I am scared for Jay because of how conservative our state is,” Virginia Ripple, Jay’s mom, said.
His parents are elders at their church and his mom is the office administrator. Jay experiences many of the trials and tribulations most teens go through, with the added layer of ADHD and autism. After four therapists, Jay had to find one out of network in hopes to finally start the process of top surgery. He is finding his way through life while living in a largely right-leaning state. His family’s support and his own determination helps him with what lies ahead.
A photo of a younger Jay Ripple hangs above achievement medals along his living room wall in Maryville, Mo. Jay knew he was transgender since middle school and came out to his family three years ago.
Jay, left, cuddles with his mom, Virginia Ripple, and cat, Mango, on their living room couch while watching television.
Jay rehairs a Monster High doll head for an art project in his living room.
Virginia prepares dinner in the family's kitchen. “We agreed that we would support whoever our kids wanted to be, but I am scared for Jay because of how conservative our state is,” says Virginia.
Jay leaves home for school. Jay is a senior in high school and has three classes a day, but struggles with math and social cues.
Jay hugs his partner, Karah Christian, in front of Maryville High School. Jay and Karah have been dating since they were in seventh grade. They don’t get to see each other much because of differing schedules, so Karah leaves a love note in Jay’s locker every day.
Jay works on a set piece with classmates for this year’s play, Footloose, in his technical theater class at Maryville High School.
Jay looks for a candy bar at Casey’s convenience store before going to school.
A lawn sign for Missouri’s Third Amendment sits along North Main Street in Maryville. The amendment, which was passed in 2024, will be on the ballot in November and includes stricter abortion laws, bans gender-affirming care for minors and grants regulatory power.
Jay sits in his living room while Virginia brushes his hair before school. Virginia does his hair every morning.
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