At a recent Parents of Trans Youth support group, a new parent said that she felt like she was on an island. "I just feel so alone."

So many parents feel this way when they first find out their child is transgender, no matter what age.

Depending on where you live, what your social circles are, or what age your child is (or all of the above), you may not hear other parents talk openly about their trans kids.

There are many possible reasons for parents' reticence, including:

• They may not have permission to share their child's identity.
• It may not be safe, especially for parents of trans minors.
• It's private information that doesn't need to be shared.
• Being trans is just one aspect of their child, and they may not feel the need to say anything.

Whatever the reason, it can be hard to find other parents, or support, or community.

Which is a darn shame, because connecting with other parents of trans kids is healing, empowering, and filling. Nothing beats talking to someone with shared lived experiences.

That parent I mentioned shared her concerns during our meeting and heard the joys and challenges of other parents. Everyone's situations were different, but the threads of emotions were the same.

At the end of the meeting she smiled and said, "I don't feel like I'm on an island anymore."

In the Parents of Trans Youth Community, so many of our members initially came to us feeling like they were on an island, but after joining, they don't feel alone anymore.

Now, they have a whole community of other parents and caregivers who just get it. Our members connect through discussion forums and live events each week, including support groups, movie talks, book clubs, and "deep dive discussions" on specific topics.

The next application window for the Parents of Trans Youth Community (PTYC) is August 3-9.

If you feel like you're on an island, swim on over to us and learn more about the community. I promise you: you're not alone.

If PTYC isn't a fit for you, please share with the folks in your life who could use the community and connection found with other parents of trans youth.

No one should feel like they're on an island.

Mandy Giles​
Founder, Parents of Trans Youth​

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