Resources & Help
Being the parent of a transgender, non-binary or gender nonconforming person can be overwhelming at first. As you find community and learn about the beauty in the Gender Mosaic, you will come to admire and marvel in the bravery and authenticity of your child.
Please note: We try to update this page with the latest resources and references. Should you have an immediate concern or question please always email us so we can help.
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Reference Material For Parents
Rising shares of U.S. adults know someone who is transgender or goes by gender-neutral pronouns
Children and gender identity: Supporting your child
Understand the importance of talking with your child about gender identity and expression — and how to get the conversation started.
Stanford Medicine Explains What It Means To Be Non-binary
I love this YouTube video from Stanford Medicine. It is an excellent way to orient friends and family members to your child's non-binary gender identity.
Stanford University Pediatric & Adolescent Gender Clinic
This multidisciplinary clinic provides medical services for gender nonconforming youths and their families in one central location.
Family Acceptance in Adolescence and the Health of LGBT Young Adults
Journal of Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing
Using a Child's Identified Pronouns Is Crucial
Using a child’s identified pronouns might feel complicated, but it’s crucial. Here’s why.
By Ellen Friedrichs
~January 16, 2020
Sam's Book List
One of the best compilations of books for transgender and gender expansive people. Sam is a trans man who has broken the list into age groups, books for transgender children, parents, LGBTQ history, etc... This is a fantastic resources for people searching for a specific topic so they can learn to support their children, family and friends.
Transgender children sense their gender identities at young ages
Lisa Rapaport reports for Reuters on the outcomes of a study investigating transgender children and their cis counterparts.
Celebrate Your Kid’s Transition. Don’t Grieve It.
We Didn't Die
In this candid, heart-felt op ed by Meredith Talusan, we follow her story of transitioning. She shares what it felt like when parents and family did not celebrate her authenticity but rather grieved for the child they "lost." This is an important piece written from the standpoint of a trans elder, who opens up about how grieving parents impacted their life.
So, your child has just told you they are LGBTQIA+
The New York State, Department of Mental Health has suggestions for what to do next.
Human Rights Campaign: Parents for Transgender Equality National Council
We absolutely love all of the work that the members of HRC are doing to push the needle for our kids. This link takes you to a rich list of resources to guide the new parent as well as those of us who are more seasoned.
My Kid Says They're Transgender
This is an excellent YouTube video to share with your family and friends when your child discloses. This video is a quick, sobering, opportunity to see the pros and cons for affirming or rejecting their identity.
Bullying & TGNC Youth
Bullying is all too common for our Trans and Gender Non-Conforming kids. Lambda Legal provides guidance and resources. "Making the case for equality."
Transgender People & The Law- ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union presents a comprehensive guide to frequently asked legal questions. Including name change documents, discrimination, health coverage and more.
Unconditional love -- journey with our transgender child | Christy Hegarty | TEDxBloomington
Incredible parent, Christy Hegarty shares her personal story. She speaks about her parenting journey of a trans child and the impact on her parenting life. This is a **MUST WATCH**
Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents
American Academy of Pediatrics official guidance on how to properly care for and support Trans and Gender-Diverse children & adolescents.
Princeton University Gender Development & Trans Youth Project
If you are looking for cutting-edge research, look no further. The Trans Youth Project at Princeton University (formerly Trans Youth Project at the University of Washington) has published scientific papers on transgender identity, growth and development. This group is conducting the largest project and is the first large-scale, national, longitudinal study of socially-transitioned transgender children to date
Human Rights Campaign & University of Connecticut
HRC Foundation and the University of Connecticut released the largest-of-its-kind survey ever of more than 12,000 LGBTQ teenagers across the nation, revealing in distressing detail the persistent challenges so many of them face going about their daily lives at home, at school and in their communities.
Understanding Non-Binary People: How to Be Respectful and Supportive
The National Center for Transgender Equality published this guide for parents, educators and all allies.
American Academy of Pediatrics
In their official position paper the AAP outlines their recommendations for Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Position Statement
In their official position statement, the AACAP states, "Variations in gender expression represent normal and expectable dimensions of human development. They are not considered to be pathological. "
Society for Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity: Non-Binary Gender Identities
On their Fact Sheet, the American Psychological Association provides key definitions, suggestions and references. This is a great resource.
I'm Just Drawn This Way: Teen Finds Gender Identity Through Art
An incredibly raw and authentic piece by DESMOND MEAGLEY published on NPR. Desmond chronicles their gender journey through art. An incredible must read for all parents of transgender kids.
Gender Spectrum
One of the premier sites for information, group connection, community and a fantastic conference.
National Equality Map
The Transgender Law Center is a fantastic resource for legislative updates. They also track LGBTQ+ legislation. You can check to see where your state ranks and what is going on.
What Does It Mean To Be Non-binary?
9 young people explain what being non-binary means to them