What to Do When Your Kid Comes Out as Transgender

Transgender School

Though right-wing talking heads try to manipulate suicide rate statistics, the data proves that the number one cause of self-harm and destructive behavior in the LGBTQ+ community is a lack of family acceptance. Kids who come out as transgender are not confused, are not in a phase, are not following a fad, and are not trying to rebel against their parents. From conversion efforts to more subtle forms of non-affirming communication, there is no question that the damage done can be significant and can often be avoided with a little education and effort. LGBTQ+ kids need and deserve our respect, support, and love.

In this episode, we talk about what to do and say, as well as what not to do and say when your child (or any child) trusts you enough to come out as transgender, at any age. You'll hear about the critical importance of family and community acceptance, statistics that show how destructive the lack of support can be for transgender youth, and how some of the most well-intended questions can cause deep wounds for trans kids.

We also discuss the mistakes Bridget made when Jackie came out and the challenges they faced. We learn ways to support transgender kids, support and respect their privacy, the ways to ensure affirming care for them, and much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About how Jackie's story began six and a half years ago (3:30)
• What statistics teach us about self-harm and destructive behaviors in the LGBTQ+ community (6:00)
• Why family acceptance is crucial (11:00)
• Being trans is definitely not a phase or a way of being rebellious (17:00)
• Jackie shares tips and ideas to grant affirming care for trans kids (24:00)
• What do our trans kids really need from us (28:00)

Resources:

• Family Acceptance Project - San Francisco State University
• What to Do When Your Kid Comes Out as Transgender by Bridget Sampson on Medium

Connect with Jackie and Bridget:

• Transgender Support: Becoming a True Ally Video Course on Vimeo
• Transgender School Patreon Membership with all exclusive content
• Transgender School on Medium
• Instagram
• Website
• Facebook
• Community Facebook Group
• YouTube

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