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Transgender and Gender Variant Children and Youth:
Resources for
Parents/Guardians, Family Members, Educators and Allies
This page was last updated on 05/18/10. If you know of errors please click here to let us know.

A guide for young trans people in the UK: aims to offer information to young people who know they are trans or are confused about or questioning their gender in any way, so as to help clarify some of their questions and offer them language to express themselves. It was produced by a group of young trans people aged between 15 and 22 from the Sci:dentity group in conjunction with Gendered Intelligence and  GALYIC, with support from Wellcome Trust & NHS. http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/YP_trans.pdf  (pdf format) 

All God's Children booklet: by Melany Burrill, for the "God Loves Each One Ministry" at Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Washington, DC, "is an essential guide to open and caring conversations with young children about gender and sexual orientation. You’ll find that this small, user-friendly book addresses your concerns, your questions, and your search for just the right words; it also suggests ideas for sermons and classroom activities. As you read, you’ll learn to model openness, respect, and the affirming belief that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender difference, is a beloved child of God. Anyone who has a loving relationship with young childrenparents, family, friends, pastors, Sunday School teacherswill benefit from reading and discussing All God’s Children." Cost: $7. http://www.godloveseachone.org/

Answers About Transgender Issues: An excellent three part series published by The New York Times has Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth answering questions. Dr. Erickson-Schroth is working on “Trans Bodies, Trans Selves,” a resource guide for transgender and other gender-variant people.

Part 1 - April 21, 2010. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/answers-about-transgender-issues/
Part 2 - April 22, 2010. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/answers-about-transgender-issues-part-2/
Part 3 - April 23, 2010. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/23/answers-about-transgender-issues-part-3/

Answers to Your Questions About Transgender Individuals and Gender Identity: A brochure from the Office of Public Communication, in collaboration with the American Psychological Association Task Force on Gender Identity, Gender Variance, and Intersex Conditions, answering basic questions about transgender and listing some of the available resources. At http://www.apa.org/topics/transgender.html

Between and Beyond: Common Questions About Transgender Identity: "Our culture tends to limit its understanding of gender to man and woman. The Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns (OBGLTC) believes there are more than two genders. OBGLTC uses the word “transgender” in its title as an umbrella term to describe the following people: crossdressers/transvestites, genderqueer, intersexuals, third gender, transsexuals, and any self-identified trans people. But even this is not necessarily completely accurate." This page contains very useful definitions, common questions, a section on how to be understanding and welcoming of transgender people, and a list of 10 advanced actions to take.  http://www.uua.org/members/justicediversity/bisexualgay/identity101/25348.shtml

Beyond the Binary - A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools: a 2004 collaborative project of Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Transgender Law Center, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Beyond the Binary was written by Stephanie Cho, Carolyn Laub, and Sean Saifa M. Wall of GSA Network, Chris Daley of Transgender Law Center, and Courtney Joslin of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. http://transgenderlawcenter.org/pdf/beyond_the_binary.pdf (pdf format) 

Camp Aranu'tiq: a weeklong, tuition-free, overnight summer camp for transgender and gender-variant youth ages 8 through 15. Camp is located in Southern New England, a 2-hour drive from both New York & Boston. Activities include arts & crafts, dance, drama, swimming, music, canoeing, creative writing, and land sports such as basketball, soccer, dodgeball, kickball, & beach volleyball. There will be a few professional therapists at camp for campers who may want to talk, but the main focus of the week is on having fun. Camp Aranu'tiq is a federally recognized, tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. It was born out of the idea that transgender and gender-variant youth needed a safe place to relate to others like them, away from home, in a beautiful rural setting where they can concentrate on what every camper loves: having fun. Contact: Nick M. Teich, Founder & President; Mailing address: Camp Aranu'tiq, P.O. Box 620141, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462; Phone: (617) 467-5830; Contact form: http://www.camparanutiq.org/contact-camp-aranutiq.html; Website: http://www.camparanutiq.org/

Early Childhood Development - Your Options - How Do I Know If My Child Is Transgender? This web page from the National Association of Social Workers answers the questions:  What Is transgender?  Can a Child Be Transgender?  What Makes a Child Transgender?  Why Can’t My Child Be “Normal”?  How Should I Respond?  How Can I know If It’s a Phase?  Where Do I Get Help, Support, and More Information? http://helpstartshere.org/TransgenderChilden/tabid/833/language/en-US/Default.aspx

An exploratory study of early childhood teachers' attitudes toward gender roles: This is a decade old study, but very interesting. Authored by Betsy Cahill, Eve Adams and published in Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, April, 1997. View it online here: http://www.springerlink.com/content/c850j10648417003/

Gender Spectrum Education and Training: is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of the normal range of gender variations found in everyone. They offer individual consultation to therapists, police officers, lawyers, teachers, school administrators, social workers, camp directors, counselors, and parents; training for school staff (pre-K through university level); and workshops for parents and students. http://www.genderspectrum.org

Gender Spectrum offers free monthly support and information groups for parents of gender variant and transgender children in Oakland, CA and Seattle, WA.: "We meet regularly to discuss what gender variance means to our children and our families. Through examination of current research and sharing with each other, we learn to navigate our own struggles, support our children in the best way possible, and work to make the world a safer place for our children." For more information, phone: 1-877-809-4159 or email: info@genderspectrum.org

Children's Hospital Oakland - 6:30 - 8:30 pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Oakland support group flier with directions

Seattle, Washington - at Children's Hospital Seattle -5:00 - 7:00 pm on the third Sunday of each month. Seattle support group flier with directions

If You Are Concerned About Your Child's Gender Behaviors: A Parent guide: from Children's National Medical Center in Washington D.C..  Sections include: Defining Gender-Variance; Commonly Seen Behaviors; Why Gender-Variance Occurs; What to Expect in the Future; Child's View of Himself; Can it be Changed?; How to Help; Pitfalls to Avoid; Dealing With My Feelings; and Seeking Professional Help. Printed copies of the booklet they publish in English & Spanish are available for a .50 donation to cover printing and postage.  http://www.childrensnational.org/files/PDF/DepartmentsandPrograms/Neuroscience/Psychiatry/GenderVariantOutreachProgram/GVParentBrochure.pdf   

Gender and Sexuality Psychosocial Programs: Children's National Medical Center offers two inter-related programs for children with questions about gender and/or sexuality development. The Gender/Sexuality Development Program (GSDP) is an outpatient clinical program. Children's Gender and Sexuality Advocacy and Education Program (CGSAEP) is a community outreach program. http://www.childrensnational.org/DepartmentsandPrograms/default.aspx?Id=6178&Type=Program&Name=Gender and Sexuality Psychosocial Programs  



A new sign designates
a unisex restroom at
Kent State University,
accommodating
transgender students.
 

 

Mom, I Need To Be a Girl: This amazing book was written by the mom of a transsexual child who transitioned -- including surgery -- with mom's help while still in high school. It includes, at the end, sections with advice to trans youth and their parents, questions to ask in choosing a counselor, an endocrinologist, and more. The book is available free at the web site in Arabic, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Portuguese, and German - in html and pdf versions at http://ai.eecs.umich.edu/people/conway/TS/Evelyn/Evelyn.html and in a 140 page second edition in English, published on December 27, 2007, ISBN: 1419684388 available at http://www.booksurge.com/Mom-I-Need-to-be-a/A/1419684388.htm

Our Trans Children: and in Spanish asNuestros/As Hijos/As Trans: this publication of the Transgender Network of PFLAG explains what it means to be transgender and discusses the special issues of transgender children and youth. It includes resources, a reading list of articles & book reviews and more.  The  4th Edition can be accessed as a pdf file at:  http://www.pflag.org/TNET_Store.788.0.html: http://www.pflag.org/fileadmin/user_upload/TNET/Our_Trans_Children_Version_4.pdf (pdf format) and same in Spanish: http://www.pflag.org/fileadmin/user_upload/TNET/Nuestros_as_V3_Master_small.pdf (pdf format) 

Parent Support Group for families with gender variant children: sponsored by Seattle's Children's Hospital and Gender Spectrum http:/www.genderspectrum.org. The group meets from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on the third Sunday of every month. At Children's Hospital and Medical Center, 4800 Sandpoint Way NE, Room W-3700. For specific directions, please call Aidan at 1-877-809-4159 (toll free). The Gender Spectrum group at Children's Hospital is free of charge and provides parents and other family members an opportunity to find information, gain an understanding of the natural and unique gender expression of their children, and learn from each other the ways in which they can support their child at home, in school, and in their neighborhood. Parents also share their family's experiences with doctors, therapists, school administrators and teachers. Flier: http://www.genderspectrum.org/pdfs/seattle_support.pdf (pdf format) 

A Path to Greater Understanding: This web page introduces you to ten people whose stories may surprise you. If you have always wondered what "transgender" and "intersex" meant, check this page out. If you have wondered whether there was a place in religious institutions for gender-different people, check this page out and consider ordering the booklet by the same name: http://www.madeinimage.org/

Safe2pee: Wiki-type database helps identify safe restrooms in Europe and North America for folks experiencing harassment/violence in trying to use the potty. Taking web innovations and applying them to a very real problem facing many in our society: harassment, violence and discrimination in public restrooms. The goal of the project is to create a resource where people who do not feel comfortable with traditional public restrooms can find safe alternatives, and to support advocacy and research to further the cause of gender free, inclusive bathrooms. http://www.safe2pee.org/

 

SafeandRespectful.org - from Domestic Violence Task Force and Victims’ Rights Task Force Prevention Subcommittee, based in Delaware - "The Prevention Subcommittee is made up of dedicated people who believe that in order for our children to grow up and become healthy and happy adults we need to start teaching them as young people how to have safe and respectful relationships." While not exclusively LGBT focused, they do have these interesting pages about gender:

  • SafeandRespectful.org/Teens/Gender - Gender Roles & Stereotypes, What is Gender? How Does this Effect Me? Take Action - with links to resources. "Take a few minutes to look into what it means to be a woman or man today. Learn how to respect yourself and others. Check out how media influences us and learn how your everyday actions really can make a difference." http://www.safeandrespectful.org/teens/gender_home.html

  • SafeandRespectful.org/Parents/Gender - Have a Conversation, Gender Roles & Stereotypes, What is Gender? How Does This Affect Your Teen? Take Action - with links to resources. "Take the time to talk with your teen about what it means to be a woman or man today, about how to respect yourself and others, how media influences us, and how everyday actions really can make a difference." http://www.safeandrespectful.org/parents/home.html

  • SafeandRespectful.org/Teachers/Gender - Gender Roles & Stereotypes, How does gender influence teens? "Many of the behaviors that students display within relationships result from messages in their lives. Incorporate healthy relationship messages into your classrooms about what it means to be a woman or man today, how to respect yourself and others, how media influences us and how everyday actions really can make a difference. Each page within the Teacher section of this site contains information, teaching tools and helpful resources." http://www.safeandrespectful.org/teachers/home.html

Support group for parents and families of gender non-conforming and transgender children and youth age 18 and under in Portland, OR. TransActive Education & Advocacy, the Portland, Oregon-based non-profit, has established a "TransActive Family Outreach and Support" (TFOS) group for parents and family members of gender non-conforming and transgender children and youth age 18 and under. When: The second Monday of every month, beginning September 14, 2009 from 7:00-9:00 PM. Where: Portland, Oregon Metro Area (Location provided upon registration) TFOS will provide an opportunity for parents and family of trans children and youth to share their experiences with one another in a secure and supportive setting. Additionally, TransActive staff, volunteers and guest speakers will cover a variety of educational topics relevant to the lives of these families, their children and youth. TFOS group meetings are free of charge to participating family members and caregivers. Childcare may be available if needed. For more information and to register to attend, call 503-927-7052 or email family@transactiveonline.org; Website: http://www.TransActiveOnline.org

Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth: Recommendations for Schools: See this really important document from the Transgender Law Center. It addresses problems ranging from lack of gender-neutral bathrooms to confidentiality, with specific recommendations for addressing each problem: http://www.transgenderlaw.org/resources/tlcschools.htm

Transsexual Roadmap: See especially "self-acceptance" and "transitioning early in life" http://www.tsroadmap.com

Transgender-inclusive Policies in Schools, Colleges and Universities: http://www.transgenderlaw.org/college/index.htm#schools

Why Don't You tell Them I'm a Boy? Raising a Gender-Nonconforming Child: by Florence Dillon, mom.  http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/whydontyoutellthem.pdf  (pdf format)

Books:  top of page

  • Becoming a Visible Man by Jamison Green

  • Finding the Real Me: True Tales of Sex and Gender Diversity edited by Tracie O’Keefe and Katrina Fox

  • Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us by Kate Bornstein

  • Luna by Julie Ann Peters [fiction]

  • Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides [fiction]

  • Mom, I Need To Be a Girl by Just Evelyn, download here  (pdf format)

  • My Gender Workbook: How to Become a Real Man, a Real Woman, the Real You, or Something Else Entirely by Kate Bornstein

  • She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan

  • Trans Forming Families, Real Stories About Transgendered Loved Ones edited by Mary Boenke

  • Trans Liberation: Beyond Pink of Blue by Leslie Feinberg

  • The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper

  • Transgender Warriors: Making History From Joan of Arc to RuPaul by Leslie Feinberg

  • Transparent: Love, Family, and Living the T with Transgender Teenagers - by Cris Beam
    Excerpt / Teacher's Discussion Guide

  • True Selves – Understanding Transsexualism by Mildred L. Brown, PhD and Chloe Ann Rounsley

  • Why Don't You tell Them I'm a Boy? Raising a Gender-Nonconforming Child by Florence Dillon, download here (pdf format)

LINKS:  top of page

 


Online Video: 20/20 "My Secret Self"

This is a May 2007 ABC episode of 20/20 in five online segments. It features Barbara Walters as she interviews the families of young transgender children. It is amazingly unbiased, sensitive, and well done. Have your Kleenex handy....

"My Secret Self" Part 1 of 5  top of page

"My Secret Self" Part 2 of 5  top of page

"My Secret Self" Part 3 of 5  top of page

"My Secret Self" Part 4 of 5  top of page

"My Secret Self" Part 5 of 5  top of page

 

 

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