I recently discovered Lelaina Faye's Instagram account (@defenestrans) and love their "Language Lessons for Lefties." She points out that allies often unintentionally use incorrect phrases that are framed by and weaponized by the right. Right-wing framing has been repeated so often that it starts to seem like acceptable vernacular. But when we repeat these phrases or terms, we're accidentally keeping them alive. Allies can work on noticing when familiar phrases come from political campaigns...
7 days ago â˘Â 2 min read
Last December, HHS proposed a series of rules that would make it much harder for trans youth to access medically necessary care: These rules would: 1. Block Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care for trans patients under 18, and block CHIP coverage for trans patients under 19. 2. Ban hospitals that provide gender-affirming health care to trans youth from participating in Medicaid/Medicare for all patients, which would essentially force hospitals across the country to end youth...
11 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
I am THRILLED to be nominated for Ally Grand Marshal for the 48th annual Pride Houston Celebration on June 6! đłď¸đ As an ally, Iâm unspeakably humbled by this recognition. Itâs one of the highest honors given by Houstonâs LGBTQ+ community, and I'm so grateful. I count myself lucky that I get to work with and hang out with so many of Houstonâs incredible LGBTQ+ individuals â itâs a privilege! Winning this honor means that more folks would know about the work Parents of Trans Youth is doing:...
14 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
I've got a special treat for you, Reader. A member of the Parents of Trans Youth Community wrote the most beautiful post the other day, and they gave me permission to share it with you: Watching my kid stay true to who they are, even when others question them, has been one of the most grounding lessons of my adult life. Theyâre only 8, and theyâve already faced bullying, exclusion, and those quiet, subtle moments that teach kids, âYouâre different. Youâre inconvenient. You donât quite belong...
18 days ago â˘Â 2 min read
Applications for the Parents of Trans Youth Community (PTYC) are now accepted all the time! 𼹠No more waiting for the application window to open. đ
No more keeping track of dates. 𤊠Just apply when youâre ready. So whatâs our community all about? PTYC is a secure, online membership space for parents and caregivers who affirm and support their trans kids (of any age). Youâll find like-minded folks, support in your journey, and peace of mind. How our members engage: đ§đť Discussion spaces...
22 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
Joy, celebration, and laughter are absolutely crucial when parenting your trans kiddo - of any age. I know it can be hard. Maybe youâre overcoming some personal beliefs, or maybe youâre scared because of all the laws, policies, and orders in the United States. But remember that itâs genuinely incredible your kid is self-aware enough to explore their gender identity. A person has to do some deep digging to figure out who they really are. And that is cause for celebration. Finding it hard to...
25 days ago â˘Â 1 min read
Transgender kids didnât ask to be transgender. They didnât choose to be transgender. No one made them transgender. Itâs just who they are. And yet they are being singled out and questioned and punished as if theyâve made a bad choice, or have done something wrong. They are being carved out of school activities, sports, their own medical care, even just being called by their own names. Theyâre being punished for who they are, and thatâs discrimination. And itâs wrong. Because trans kids are...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 1 min read
This monthâs Houston parent support meeting is Sunday, January 25, at the Montrose Center! Join us every fourth Sunday of each month to discuss the general joys and challenges of parenting transgender and gender-expansive youth and young adults. Groups are free, voluntary, and confidential. No RSVP needed; just drop in! The support group coincides with Hatch Jr., a Montrose Center program for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 7-12. Contact hatchyouth@montrosecenter.org for more info. đŁď¸Doors open at 2pm...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 1 min read
Neil, me, and Mars - family advocacy at the Supreme Court! This week, I had the honor of speaking at the Washington, D.C. rally held during oral arguments in two Supreme Court cases concerning trans youth in sports: West Virginia v. BPJ and Little v. Hecox. These two cases represent two teenage girls from West Virginia and Idaho, who sued just to be allowed to continue playing sports like any other student. Gorgeous weather, a passionate crowd, being with my family, and meeting so many of my...
about 1 month ago â˘Â 1 min read