At a Glance
- Lauren Sundstrom received a sapphire ring from her dad after her first gender-affirming surgery.
- The gift symbolized rebirth and her father’s first piece of fine jewelry for her.
- The story was shared in a TikTok video on Jan. 12 in response to transphobic comments.
- Why it matters: It highlights a father’s unconditional support and the personal meaning of a simple gift during a pivotal life moment.
Lauren Sundstrom, a 36-year-old from Vancouver, Canada, used a TikTok video to explain a heartfelt gift she received from her father after her facial feminization surgery. The gesture, which came three weeks after her operation in California, became a symbol of her dad’s love and acceptance.
The Gift of Rebirth
Three weeks after undergoing facial feminization surgery (FFS) in California, Sundstrom returned home to find her father waiting with a special present. She described the moment:
> “He handed me this jewelry box that contained this sapphire in it,” she recalled. “He told me he got me the sapphire for two reasons: the first reason is because a sapphire is my birthstone and he wanted to get me something that represented rebirth … the second reason was that he wanted to be the first man in my life to give me my first piece of fine jewelry.”
The sapphire was originally given to her as a necklace, but Sundstrom, who is not a frequent wearer of delicate necklaces, had it reset into a ring that she now wears daily. She added:
> “So, I would say he’s pretty proud of me,” she concluded in the video.
This act, she said, revealed a softer side of her father that she had never seen before. It also confirmed that he fully accepted her identity, despite being a masculine man.
Dad’s Unwavering Support
Sundstrom explained how her father’s support has shaped her life:
> “My father worked in construction most of my childhood as a general contractor, drank beer, watches football – but he never forced that on his children. Not once,” she said. “My interests were always feminine, always girly, and he rolled with it. I was always free to be who I wanted to be.”
She added that presenting her with the sapphire was an example of how men should treat women: with respect and care. She noted that this attitude influenced her current relationship with her fiancé, whom she describes as generous, thoughtful, and caring.
Acts of Service
Sundstrom highlighted several practical ways her father has helped her over the years:
- First car – He bought her a 1995 Toyota Corolla when she started college.
- Snow tires – He purchased and installed them when she couldn’t afford them.
- Daily support – He delivered her car back to her apartment with the tires on and a full tank of gas.
> “That’s the kind of dad he is,” she added.
Early Life and Coming Out
Sundstrom first realized her gender identity early in life. She recalled:
> “I knew that I preferred to be in community with girls as soon as I was able to start socializing,” she said. “When puberty hit, things went awry; I was suddenly confronted with the reality that I was attracted to boys and increasingly uncomfortable with the ways that my body was changing.”
At 16, she came out to her mother after a year of obsessive research. She noted that resources were limited in the early 2000s, but she found affirming information that guided her steps.
Transition Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Came out to parents and began transition |
| 2018 | Underwent facial feminization surgery in California |
| Jan. 12, 2024 | Shared story on TikTok |
Family Acceptance
Sundstrom emphasized that her parents were supportive from day one. She explained that while they were scared for her future, they were there for her every step of the way:
> “Given that it was around 2006 when I came out and started my transition, my parents had a concept of transness that aligned with the times,” she said. “There were many, many unknowns and they were scared for my future. There were tears shed – they wanted me to have an easy life, and being trans doesn’t necessarily align with that, especially these days. Nonetheless, they were there for me every step of the way.”
Key Takeaways
- A father’s gift can carry deep personal meaning, especially during a transition.
- Acceptance and support from family are vital for transgender individuals.
- Small acts of service, like buying a car or installing snow tires, can have lasting emotional impact.
- Social media can be a platform for sharing personal stories and countering transphobic remarks.
Lauren Sundstrom’s story underscores how a single sapphire ring can symbolize rebirth, love, and the enduring bond between a father and his daughter.
About the Author
The story was reported by Olivia M. Hartwell and published on News Of Los Angeles.
