Supporting Transgender Youth: A Parent's Journey
Episode Overview
Seek out knowledgeable medical professionals and therapists. Join or create support groups for parents of transgender children. Educate yourself extensively on gender identity issues. Handle societal reactions with calm advocacy. Follow your child's lead in disclosing their identity to others.
If we start saying to them, 'I miss the daughter that I once had', that's not really helping your child because that's not who they are.
In this heartwarming episode of 'Conversations That Matter', Julie Moyer, a proud parent and founding member of TransParent, shares her personal journey of supporting her transgender child. Julie recounts the challenges and triumphs she faced when her son came out as transgender during his college years. Despite being a social worker, Julie found herself navigating uncharted waters, learning to understand and support her child's identity.
She highlights the importance of finding the right medical professionals and therapists who are knowledgeable about gender identity issues. Julie's story is filled with valuable advice for parents, such as the necessity of self-education and seeking support from others who have gone through similar experiences. The episode also touches on how to handle negative reactions from society and the significance of advocacy. Julie's candid reflections offer a beacon of hope and practical strategies for parents supporting their transgender children.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand more about gender identity and how to provide unwavering support to loved ones navigating this journey.