Family files lawsuit after losing daughter who identified as “transgender”

A Ukrainian immigrant family in California has filed a federal lawsuit against Shasta County and the state, alleging they lost custody of their daughter, Maya, in 2024 for refusing to approve hormone therapy and surgeries after she began identifying as transgender at age 14.

The family, who immigrated to the U.S. in 2007, faced ongoing challenges with Maya’s mental health from early childhood, including anxiety, anger, and emotional issues. Bullying led to school changes, culminating in a move to a Redding ranch. In 2022, Maya suffered a head injury at school and was later diagnosed with borderline personality disorder via a phone evaluation. By late 2022, Maya adopted shorter hair and androgynous clothing, requesting a unisex name. A referral to psychiatrist Dr. Michelle Sager at the Children’s Legacy Center resulted in prescriptions for lithium and antidepressants. In March 2023, Maya requested private sessions and joined an LGBT Discord server, soon expressing a transgender identity.

In early 2024, Maya demanded hormone replacement therapy and a hysterectomy. Her parents, Ellie and her husband, urged waiting until adulthood. Maya’s behavior worsened; she isolated herself, accused them of abuse, and refused family interactions. Dr. Sager filed a child abuse report without notifying the family. On June 3, 2024, a social worker arrived unannounced, accusing emotional abuse. Maya fled to authorities, who removed her with police assistance. Her laptop revealed Discord advice on fabricating abuse claims for removal.

Court hearings offered no reunion path, citing cultural conflicts with her identity. Maya used self-harm threats and transphobia accusations to stay in care. A forensic evaluation found no physical abuse but confirmed diagnoses including gender dysphoria and borderline personality disorder, noting online influences.The parents were listed on the Child Abuse Central Index, impacting Ellie’s teaching career. Foster parents made medical decisions without consent, placing Maya with a teenage boy. Despite a judge acknowledging the parents’ care, custody was not restored.The December 2025 lawsuit seeks accountability. Ellie stated, “Someone needs to hold Shasta County and the state of California to account for what they’ve done to my family.”