Q&A

Here's a Q&A with the parent of a transgender child(all names are confidential). 

Question 1: Were there any people in your life who refused your company after or during the transition?

Yes, but I can only recall one particular family that made an impact. To be honest, there might have been more, but we were so focused on our kiddo that I might not have noticed others. There were those that might have drifted away or just took longer to process the change, but the one that was very abrupt refused to let their daughter participate in the tolerance training at school. Then, subsequently, they removed her from Girl Scouts and AYSO soccer teams that my daughter was on.

Question 2: What resources do you recommend to LGBT+ youth in need of support?

Talk to their parents or other adults they trust (friends parents, teachers, etc.), look into LGBTQ+ club/groups in their school, join an Outlet support group, and/or check out the Gender Spectrum.

Question 3: What kind of resistance did you receive from your community and/or the law during the transition?

While there wasn’t resistance from the school; the teacher was awesome, but the school was willing to support us to an extent. I had to ask and arrange for any support we got. It’s the same still. We’ve had to create the infrastructure to support ours and other LGBTQ+ students.

Question 4: What advice do you have for struggling or closeted LGBT+ youth and adults?

Look for and connect with folks for support—find allies wherever you can and let them help you navigate and create a safe space for you.

Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
-Heather