profile

Parents of Trans Youth

Look to the elders 💜

Published about 1 year 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 nonbinary for a considerable length of time and seems to know what they're doing"

(that last one is definitely my favorite)

Trans and queer elders are part of a long legacy of resistance. They've been through dark times before and can offer wisdom and hope right now.

Inspiring words from trans elders are here, here, and here.

What have you learned from trans elders?

⭐️ Check out our sponsor! ⭐️

A Home for LGBTQ+ Youth This Summer!

LGBTQ+ youth deserve a space where they can be themselves, build confidence, and find community. At Brave Trails, our leadership-focused summer camp offers a life-changing experience for queer and trans youth (ages 12-17) in California, New York, and Georgia. With financial aid available and a simplified application process, there’s never been a better time to register! Give your camper the support and joy they deserve this summer.

📍 Apply today: www.bravetrails.org/apply​
🏕️ Get a glimpse of camp: Watch this video!​

Mandy Giles​
Founder, Parents of Trans Youth​

p.s. Want to receive additional emails specific to Texas news and events? Click here!​

But wait! There's more! Click here to get on the Houston-area email list.

2808 Caroline St. #103-G, Houston, TX 77004
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

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.

Read more from Parents of Trans Youth

The Trevor Project's 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People was released last week, and I always find helpful yet heartbreaking data in these annual findings. (Content warning: the survey addresses suicide risk and anti-LGBTQ+ victimization.) I'm always interested to see how support makes a positive difference in the mental health of queer youth. This year's study found: 📝 LGBTQ+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at...

1 day ago • 1 min read

Join Bering Church for an inspiring and heartwarming event as "American Teenager" author Nico Lang discusses the fight for trans equality with Molly Carnes, a local Houston mother whose daughter, Ruby, is featured in the book. In an hour-long conversation (followed by Q&A), the two will discuss resilience, courage, and the joy of trans youth navigating today’s challenging world. 📅 Date: Thursday, May 14th🕠 Time: 6:30 PM📍 Location: Bering Church, 1440 Harold St, Houston, TX 77006🎟️ Free & open...

2 days ago • 1 min read

The quote above was my answer to a question I was asked on Slate's Care & Feeding podcast last week: "What has been your biggest joy so far in your parenting career?” The joy in seeing your kid light up when you really see them and affirm who they are is almost indescribable. That affirmation can be anything from using their chosen name to taking them to get a new haircut to helping advocate for them at school. You will see their joy, and you will know that their identity - who they are...

5 days ago • 1 min read