Transgender Children and Youth
HELPFUL LINKS
Questions and Answers about transgender children and youth with one of the leading medical experts in the US, Dr. Johanna Olson, medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
What If My Child Wants Clothes and a Name that Doesn’t Match Their Sex? Research-based recommendations from a therapist who specializes in matters related to gender identity.
How To Support A Transgender Teen. From the Henry Ford Health System Staff.
Transgender Children & Youth: Understanding the Basics. From HRC.
Parenting a Gender-Diverse Child: Hard Questions Answered. Helpful article from a pediatrician and child psychiatrist who specializes in adolescent gender development.
Parents of Transgender Youth Have Important Advice for New Parents Starting Their Journey. A 5-minute video from HRC.
“Tips for Parents and Guardians of Transgender Youth” – 2 great pages of things adults may experience when they find out their child is trans, and helpful lists of what trans youth need to hear from adults to feel supported, and what adults can say to help others support their child’s transition. Great for allies as well!
Early Care Leads to Better Mental Health for Transgender Youths. A study published in Pediatrics found that trans youths who get gender-affirming care earlier in life are less likely to face issues like depression and anxiety.
Scientists Have Carried Out the Biggest Ever Study on Transgender Children—Here’s What They Found. 2019 Newsweek article.
Picture Books for Children, to help them understand gender diverse people. Recommended by the Trans Youth Equality Foundation. We also recommend the picture book, Madoodle.
A 4-minute video of a family from Texas, their 12-year-old transgender daughter, and the challenges of living in the midst of discriminatory legislation.
Mother Of Transgender Child Shares Powerful Message Of Acceptance. 7-minute clip of Jodie Patterson on the Today Show.
A 6-minute CBS report on the Wittherington family and their young transgender son, Ryland.
Dwyane Wade’s Unflinching Support of His Trans Daughter is a Turning Point. Article addressing the needs of Black trans children. Includes video clip of Wade being interviewed about his daughter on Ellen Degeneres’ show.
“Op-ed: Finally, Some Reliable Research on Trans Kids Like Mine” – One mother’s story of learning to support her transgender child. (NOTE: Preliminary results from the research referenced in this 2015 article are shared HERE.)
A 6-minute Australian news clip on a 5-year old transgender girl.
“Supporting & Caring For Transgender Children” – A comprehensive guide for caregivers of 5-10 year olds, created by the Human Rights Campaign, the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
How trans kids and their parents are deciding when to start medical transition. A 28-min. documentary from Vice on HBO. Excellent info on puberty blockers and cross hormone therapy for youth.
PFLAG – A national organization with local chapters that provide support for LGBTQ individuals and their loved ones. If you have a child or other family member who has just come out to you as trans or non-binary, we strongly encourage you to get connected to a PFLAG chapter.
“Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools” – A comprehensive guide created by the ACLU, Gender Spectrum, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the National Education Association.
“School Officials Agree: Policies Protecting Transgender Student Do Not Compromise the Privacy or Safety of Other Students” – Statements from school officials who actually have trans students in their schools.
Trans Youth Equality Foundation – a national organization providing education, advocacy and support for transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families. Their site also has an extensive list of recommended books.
Gender Spectrum – a national organization providing resources for creating gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens.
Trans Girls Belong on Girls’ Sports Teams. A 2021 article in Scientific American.
Supporting Transgender Youth & Their Families Amidst Trans Sports Bans. Helpful 3-pager of info and resources created/endorsed by multiple trans advocacy organizations.
