Dear Anita

I’m glad that T and T’s father have you as a supportive person to talk to. Supporting a child who is transgender or questioning their gender identity can be difficult and it won’t be without mistakes. But it’s important that children know they are loved and safe being who they are. Parents listening to their children, and telling them that they love them will help their children feel less alone as they explore their gender identity. The child might not have all the answers yet and parents and children will be learning along the way. It’s important that parents check with their child’s feelings, sometimes when children identify as transgender or question their gender identity they might experience feelings of anxiety. Letting children know that you are there for them can help children feel more comfortable talking with their parents. I found dara hoffman-fox videos “asking a gender therapist ” videos on youtube very helpful. For a child questioning their gender identity, it can help them feel better about themselves if they have opportunities to explore how they’re feeling. I think dara hoffman-fox says that if a person feels happy and confident being the opposite gender they were born as then they are transgender. There’s no right or wrong way to be transgender. If a person identifying as a transmale feels happy dressing with suit, ties, sweatshirts, sweatpants, darker more masculine colors they’re valid. The important thing is for parents to reach out to support groups in their area. Pflag and glaad are lgbtq resources that provide trans resources for transgender people and their families.

Callhimhunter is a resource for transgender people to talk to trans ally moms about their feelings. It was created by a mother whose son came about as transgender and wanted to be called hunter with he/him pronouns. The site has ally moms that are available in different u.s. states for trans children to talk to.

I really liked the book trans bodies, trans selves. There are often resources at local libraries. If the person ever feels like they are alone and struggling with mental health, trans lifeline is a national network that is available to talk via text or phone call and trans lifeline can help trans people get access to resources.

Another book I loved was the gender workbook by Kate bornstein where trans people can explore their gender identity and have fun with it. I will try to share the pdf file.