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Parents of Trans Youth

Just show up

Published 2 months 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 for trans rights. Almost every single person said some version of: "Show up. We need to know you have our backs."

A friend once said of showing up: it’s ok if you stand awkwardly in the back of some event or meeting. You're THERE. You literally made the first step.

Safety tip: For more public actions like a rally, Pride parade, or showing up at your state capitol, if you’re worried about you or your kid being identified (or doxxed), act like a celebrity! Wear a hat, sunglasses, or a mask (health, Mardi Gras, Halloween, or otherwise). A fan is also an appropriate accessory at any LGBTQ-focused event.

How will you show up?

⭐️ Hey! We have a sponsor! ⭐️

Camp Lilac is a 501(c)(3) non-profit overnight summer camp providing a safe, welcoming space for transgender and gender diverse youth to be themselves in a positive, supportive, youth-focused environment. Campers who stay at Camp Lilac have the freedom to discuss their experiences and identities with people who understand them, alongside just enjoying camp activities and being free from having to explain or justify their existence.

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​www.CampLilac.org​
​Camp Lilac Wish List​

Mandy Giles​
Founder, Parents of Trans Youth​

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Parents of Trans Youth

Mandy Giles (she/her)

Parents of Trans Youth provides learning, support, and community to parents and caregivers of transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse kids. Join our email list for bite-sized tips and news about supporting trans kids sent straight to your inbox twice weekly.

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