Support for Families

Support usually begins at home and extends outward to include family, friends, teachers and other important people in your child’s life. Here are some ways to grow your support system.

Parents and caregivers often become advocates for their children and help them to become strong self-advocates as well.

Developing your support system

Support systems usually include people who knew your child before they were living as their authentic gender self, such as extended family, family friends, parents of your child’s friends and possibly staff at schools or community organizations. Support systems can continually expand to include people who are supportive of you, your child and your family. 

Intentionally creating a community that is affirming and supportive can be beneficial for all family members. You can grow your supportive community in many ways:

  • Connect your child or youth with peers who have similar experiences.
  • Attend support groups for children, youth, or parents.
  • Connect with safe support networks online.
  • Foster positive relationships with gender diverse peers and adults.
  • Attend a conference on trans issues.
  • Go to pride events or trans films as a family.
  • Connect with others advocating for gender-affirming communities.

No one parent can change the world to make it a perfectly safe environment. However, the collective advocacy of parents of gender-creative children and trans youth is now shaping the world that we live in. More and more, children and youth are able to safely identify and express their authentic gender selves in all aspects of their lives.

SOURCE: Support for Families ( )
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