A California father, Harrison Tinsley, has been granted full custody of his four-year-old son after a prolonged legal battle with his ex-girlfriend. The mother had been attempting to raise their son, Sawyer, as non-binary, forcing him to wear dresses and makeup.
Legal Battle and Custody Win
Tinsley shared his victory on his online fundraiser for legal fees on July 18, expressing his relief and joy at becoming Sawyer’s full-time caregiver. “It feels like a miracle,” Tinsley told The Daily Signal. He described his feelings of accomplishment after fighting so hard for custody.
Initial Excitement Turns to Struggle
Tinsley was ecstatic when his girlfriend announced her pregnancy in 2019. However, their relationship ended abruptly, and he was prevented from seeing Sawyer. He only met his son when the boy was 15 months old, and they quickly formed a strong bond.
Mother’s Influence and Legal Actions
The boy’s mother began a same-sex relationship and started identifying as non-binary, extending this identity to Sawyer. She treated him as non-binary, calling him “they” and making him wear dresses and makeup. Tinsley noted instances where Sawyer resisted his mother’s impositions, including being forced to wear princess shoes at Disneyland to go on rides.
Filing for Custody
In response to these actions and after discovering the mother’s arrest for felony child endangerment, Tinsley filed for custody. He presented extensive evidence, including police body camera footage and psychological studies, to demonstrate that Sawyer’s well-being was jeopardized by his mother’s mental health issues and political ideology.
Judge’s Initial Ruling and Appeal
Despite the evidence, the judge initially ruled against Tinsley. However, by December 2023, his appeal was underway. Recently, a settlement was reached, granting Tinsley full custody and final decision-making authority in any disagreements with the boy’s mother. This decision followed an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS), which recommended Tinsley get full custody and that the mother undergo drug and alcohol testing.
CPS Investigation and Outcome
Tinsley praised the CPS investigator for prioritizing Sawyer’s best interests over politics. He expressed gratitude for the investigation’s favorable outcome, which considered the mother’s mental health issues and the resulting dangerous situations.
Moving Forward
Tinsley aims to support other parents in similar situations, calling gender ideology one of the greatest evils, comparable to lobotomies. He is committed to protecting children from such influences.
Sawyer’s Progress
Since being in his father’s custody for about four and a half months, Sawyer has been thriving. Tinsley noted significant improvements in his son’s social behavior and overall well-being. He looks forward to creating a brighter future for Sawyer and watching him grow.
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