Parents and transgender children: I do not have much information on this site for transgender children and their parents, as it is not within my own experience. But, as an ally, and seeing this attached video produced by the Transgender Law Center, I believe it might be a wonderful positive support to the challenges transgender children and their parents face. I hope anyone viewing will see how important it is to be one's authentic self.
I also highly recommend the book on my resource list called "The Transgender Child, A Handbook for Families and Professionals" by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper, to help answer your questions about your trans or gender variant child.
I often think about J in regard to "if J had been able to come out earlier in life as transgender, how different his life would be" and hope that all transchildren will be able to pursue their authentic self at the point of their discovery. I feel the flexibility of youth has to have its positive effect on the long-term physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual result for the TS. That said, it still isn't an easy journey for the child nor the parent.
If you think it is difficult for an adult to come out to those they love, imagine the fear a child may have! It can be particularly difficult for a parent, I understand that, you may feel you are losing a son or a daughter. Children, however, feel that if they come out to their parents, they will lose the parent. For an older child, this can be an unbelievable source of pain. All I can add is, try to be informed, educated, knowledgeable and supportive toward your child. Show a willingness to listen, understand, and encourage communication. He or she needs you now as a parent, more than they ever have, as they go through this transition.
If, as a parent you would like to do a blog post to address your concerns on this site, please do so. You can also e-mail me with questions at jackanddianestories@gmail.com - #teentrans #transchild #transparent #mom #dad #gendervariant_child #child #parent #love #authenticself #change #shine #children #transgender