Feeling unsure or anxious about parenting a trans kiddo? Most of us didn’t learn about gender diversity growing up. For many of us, our child might be the first trans person we’ve met! (at least, that we knew of) So you’ve got to do some homework. One of the first steps is educating yourself and finding resources. Just a few super helpful books: 📚Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting This by Rebecca Minor (pre-order!) 📚My Child is Trans, Now What?: A Joy-Centered...
6 days ago • 1 min read
If you missed the last "Parenting Trans Kids in Tough Times" webinar, you're in luck, because Part II is just around the corner! Join us for Parenting Trans Kids in Tough Times: Find Your People on April 10 from 4-6pm PDT / 6-8pm CDT. It’s a tough time for transgender people and those of you who love and support them, as hateful anti-trans messaging and policy-making seek to drive them back out of public life. But trans people have a long history of mobilizing resources and fighting for...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Parents of Trans Youth had a table at a Trans Day of Visibility event in Houston this week, and toward the end of the event, someone approached our table to tell me about her company's services. She was certain that her medical services would benefit transgender folks and wanted our families to know about her business. She was in strong promotional mode - nothing inherently wrong with that - but in an effort to connect with me or maybe to demonstrate the value of her services, she asked some...
13 days ago • 2 min read
, you might be wondering about Parents of Trans Youth’s business structure. Ok, probably not, but some people might be . . . Parents of Trans Youth is a social impact business (an LLC). But what does that mean? I run my business like a nonprofit. Everything is about the mission of helping parents and caregivers of trans kids and young adults. All of our services are free or very low cost to be as accessible as possible to the people who need them. But how do we stay in business? Our revenue...
20 days ago • 1 min read
Yesterday I spent a picture-perfect Austin day at the Texas Capitol advocating for trans and queer rights. I was lucky enough to share the day with my kiddos and So! Many! Friends! I'm still processing the day, but my heart is full from seeing over 1,000 queer folks and allies take over the capitol - a place that has not been kind (sometimes outright cruel) to the LGBTQ+ community. The midday rally featured powerful and inspiring speakers, and it was super-ally Rep. Jon Rosenthal who really...
23 days ago • 1 min read
You probably already know that social connection is good for your mental health. But did you know that it also has a positive effect on your physical health? Research has shown that people who have strong social connections are happier, healthier, and live longer than those who don’t. In fact, one study found that individuals with stronger social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival compared to those with poor or insufficient social relationships. This effect on mortality...
27 days ago • 1 min read
In times of uncertainty, seeking wisdom and perspective from queer and trans elders is not just valuable—it's crucial. But what's an elder? I found a few definitions: "Someone who has lived through significant eras of trans and queer history" "Someone who serves as a source of experience and guidance for younger generations" "Anyone who has lived long enough to offer perspective on resilience, activism, and identity" "A person who has identified as trans, gender non-conforming, and/or...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Sunday afternoon, I gave a talk on "Turning Allyship into Action" for PFLAG Houston. (Big fan of PFLAG. Huge.) Along with sharing what allyship is and is not, I gave lots of concrete ways for folks to turn their allyship into action. One way to show your allyship: just show up. Getting involved in local or state advocacy efforts might seem scary or overwhelming – I get that – but just showing up is the first step. On my podcast, I’ve asked my transgender guests what allies can do in the fight...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
I know these are scary and overwhelming times right now - for our trans loved ones and for us. So I have a challenge for you, Reader ... FIND THE JOY. Joy is what keeps us going and gives us hope. Find the joy in your community, whether that's other parents of trans kids (who just GET IT), the trans community, or the larger LGBTQ+ community (or all of the above!). Find the joy in little things, like a beautiful spring day or the perfect buttermilk biscuit (my eternal quest). Most importantly,...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read