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Hello Reader Each time policies shift or lifelines for queer and trans people are limited, families are left to do what they’ve always done—find ways to protect, affirm, and love their kids through uncertainty. If you’re a parent, educator, or ally, you already know that trans youth deserve so much more than fear and to be used as political pawns. They deserve care, safety, and hope that doesn’t waver when the headlines do. In this week’s blog, I’ve gathered 25+ trusted, affirming resources—from crisis support lines and legal advocacy groups to community networks and travel assistance programs—so you and the young people in your life know exactly where to turn.
Helping Grandparents Feel More Confident and ConnectedHaving supportive grandparents can make a world of difference for a transgender or gender-expansive child. For many grandparents, navigating this journey comes with unique questions, emotions, and challenges—and often, as parents, we don't have the time to address them. That’s why we created TransGenerations – a supportive space just for grandparents to connect, learn, and share with others who understand. By encouraging the grandparents in your life to join this group, you can help them build the confidence and understanding they need to fully support their grandchild. TransGenerations Offers:
If you know a grandparent who might benefit from this kind of support, invite them to join our next TransGenerations group. It’s open to all, regardless of their starting point, their grandchild’s age, or their faith background. Help them take the next step to join us on Zoom starting October 22 with sessions on November 12, December 17, and January 28. Together, we’ll navigate this journey with love and shared wisdom.
Share Your Story: Parent VoicesWe know parents of trans kids carry powerful stories — stories that can offer comfort, connection, and courage to others walking a similar path. Parent Voices is an anonymous series on our blog where parents can share their experiences without disclosing their identity or outing their child. If you’d like to contribute, please send your article to hello@genderspecialist.com with the subject line “Parent Voices.” Submissions may be lightly edited for clarity, but your anonymity will always be protected. Your words may be exactly what another parent needs to hear.
Upcoming Events:Parenting Beyond the Binary: A Conversation with Rebecca Minor Parents of Trans Youth Community Event Every resource shared, every story told, every event you attend helps this work reach the families who need it most. Thank you for being part of this movement to protect and uplift trans youth. With gratitude, Rebecca Minor, LICSW (She/Her) Author of "Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting This" book |
I’m a licensed therapist and author of Raising Trans Kids, supporting caregivers of trans youth. I share resources, reflections, and real-world guidance on identity, parenting, and allyship -through my blog and this newsletter. You’re not alone. Let’s navigate this together.
Hello Reader For the last few weeks, I’ve kept a sticky note on my desk that just says “Questions.” Every time a parent or caregiver has said some version of, “I have questions, but I don’t want my questions to make them think I don’t support them,” I’ve added a tally mark. When I got to five, I figured it was time for a blog. Because this is a real challenge. When someone you love comes out, you may genuinely want to understand more. It can feel sudden from where you’re standing—even when...
Hello Reader One year ago today, Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This entered the world. I wrote this book after more than a decade of working with trans kids and their families because I kept seeing the same thing: loving parents with real questions, fears, and uncertainty who needed somewhere to bring all of it. Trans kids shouldn’t have to teach their parents how to support them. I wanted parents to have good information, space to ask hard questions, and...
Hello Reader How do you celebrate your child while worrying about their future? It's a question I hear often from parents of LGBTQ+ and trans youth. Concerns about healthcare access, school policies, discrimination, and what comes next are weighing heavily on many families right now. Last weekend, after watching The Dads and Living in Pryde, I found myself reflecting on something I wish more parents could hear: our children are inheriting more than the challenges of this moment. They are...