Transgender and
Gender Variant Children and Youth:
Resources for Parents/Guardians, Family Members,
Educators and Allies This page was last updated on
07/05/12. If you know of errors please click
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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 children's parents,
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.
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/
Children's Gender and Sexuality Advocacy and Education Program at
Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC offers two inter-related programs for children with
sexual or gender identity issues or whose most comfortable behavior falls
outside traditional gender roles.
The Gender/Sexuality Development
Program (202-476-5158;
gender@childrensnational.org) is an outpatient clinical program
offering:
outpatient psychosocial evaluations o
therapeutic services for children, adolescents and their families.
A group for families in the Washington, DC
area o On-line groups for parents
Play and social activities group for
children (Washington, DC area)
A summer camp program for families of young
children o Educational activities and consultations to schools and
other Child/Family-focused service organizations
Child art program in collaboration with
CNMC's 'New Horizions'
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/
The Gender Booklet: free,
6-page, colorful, downloadable resource – print your own set! Small enough
to fit in your back pocket. A group of folks in Houston, TX created it. They
say, “We offer the GENDER book as a free pdf download in the hopes that you
will enjoy it, read it, and DISTRIBUTE WIDELY. Print it out and give it to
all your friends, post it to your facebook page, stick it on your forum
badge, print out 1,000 copies for your convention or 35 for your classroom.
Totally free.” Go to:
http://www.thegenderbook.com/#/the-booklet/4561649703
Gender Diversity: Education and Support Services:
Gender Diversity is an education, support, and training organization
committed to increasing awareness and understanding of the normal range
of gender variations in children, adolescents, and adults. Our services
include weekly groups for parents, teens, and children; trainings and
consultations, referral services and national conferences. Phone: 1-855-4 GENDER (toll free); Email: info@GenderDiversity.org; Website:
http://www.genderdiversity.org/
Gender Odyssey Family Conference:The national Gender Odyssey Family conference is held each summer in Seattle WA.
This conference includes a full track of programming for gender
nonconforming and transgender teens. Siblings and friends who are teens
are welcome to attend. Parents and other adult family members
have their own set of workshops within the conference.
Great workshops, fun social events/parties, and excellent keynote
speakers are all part of this 3-day event in August. For more
information about dates, registration, scholarships, programming - Phone: 1-855-4 GENDER (toll free); Emailinfo@GenderOdysseyFamily.org; Website: http://www.GenderOdysseyFamily.org
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.:
"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
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
Jóvenes de Hoy is Entre Hermanos' support group for youth
aged 15 to 25. It's a safe space for the free expression of sexual identity,
offering health programs especially focused on HIV. Jóvenes de Hoy also
focuses on coming-out issues, family reconciliation, and how to stop/deal
with social pressures at they relate to sexual orientation. Recreational
activities include sports activities, picnics and social events.
Este es nuestro grupo que apoya la juventud. La
edad de los miembros fluctúa entre los 15 y 25 años. Nos reunimos con la
intención de construir un espacio seguro que permita la libre expresión de
identidad sexual. Nuestro grupo ofrece programas de salud enfocados
especialmente en prevención del VIH/SIDA. Jóvenes de Hoy también se enfoca
en algunos temas tales como salir del closet, reconciliación familiar, y
cómo lidiar con la presión social respecto a nuestra orientación sexual. La
recreación forma una parte importante de este grupo e incluyen actividades
deportivas, picnics y reuniones sociales.
http://www.myspace.com/seattlejovenesdehoy;
or call Luis Fernando Ramirez Limon at 206-322-7700.
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
Parent Support Group for families with gender variant children:
Gender Spectrum offers a monthly support and information group for parents
of gender nonconforming and transgender children. We meet regularly to
discuss what gender diversity 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.
Bay Area In-Person Support Group - 6:30 - 8:30 pm on the 3rd
Wednesday of each month, Oakland, California, FREE. For more information,
including dates and times, please call us at 510-567-3977, or email us at
info@genderspectrum.org.
National Phone-In Support Group - For those not living in
the Bay Area, or whose schedule can’t accommodate the in-person support
group, you can still join other parents and caregivers via our national
monthly Parent Support Conference Call. 5:00 - 7:00 pm (PST) on the last
Wednesday of each month, FREE. For more information or to sign up, please
call us at 510-567-3977, or email us at
info@genderspectrum.org.
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
Supporting
Transgender and Transsexual students in K-12 Schools:
from Canadian Teachers’
Federation (CTF), the fifth publication in an educational series
designed to assist teachers, administrators and counselors in understanding
sexual and gender minority issues. Authored by Dr. Kristopher Wells, Gayle
Roberts and Carol Allan, the 57-page guidebook aims to demystify gender
variance and provide evidence-based information for educators wishing to
create caring, respectful and safe learning environments for all students.
The per unit cost is $5 (bulk order discounts will apply) and is available
for online ordering:
http://www.ctf-fce.ca/catalogue/default.aspx?lang=EN
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
Transgender and Gender Variant
Support Group: Seattle Children's Hospital - Does
your child prefer to wear the clothes of the "opposite" gender or insist that he
is really a girl or that she is really a boy? Do you struggle with how best to
support your child while helping them stay safe? Is your child transgender or is
this just a phase? You are not alone. Join this support and information group,
and share your experiences with other parents and family members. The group
meets monthly on the third Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Child care is available.
For more information, contact Aidan Key via email:
info@genderdiversity.org;
phone: 206-853-9390 or 855-4-GENDER. Website:
http://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics-programs/support-groups/
Transsexual Roadmap:
See especially "self-acceptance" and "transitioning early in
life"http://www.tsroadmap.com
Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students: Your Rights At
School - June 2012(pdf
format) - from National Center for Transgender
Equality. Bullying, harassment, or discrimination against transgender or
gender nonconforming students is covered by Title IX, a federal law that
prohibits sex discrimination in schools. This resource outlines the rights
trans and gender nonconforming students have in schools and how to file
formal complaints.
The
Youth and Gender Media Project encompasses a growing collection of
short films that capture the diversity and complexity of gender
non-conforming youth. In The Family Journey: Raising
Gender Nonconforming Children (14 minutes) family members
relate their transformations from denial to acceptance and finally
to celebration around supporting and nurturing their courageous children. I’m
Just Anneke (12 minutes) tells the story of a gender fluid
twelve–year–old girl who’s taking hormone blockers that delay puberty so she
can decide if she wants to be male, female, or somewhere in–between, when
she grows up. Becoming Johanna tells the story of
a sixteen–year–old Latina transgender teenager living in Los Angeles whose
deeply religious, immigrant mother commits her to a mental hospital against
her will in order to prevent her transition to a young woman. The films
introduce radical new concepts for many audiences, from the very idea that a
young child can be transgender and have the wherewithal to fight against
the pressures to conform to a binary gender paradigm, to the new and still
very rare use of hormone blockers to delay puberty. However, since the films
are structured around universal themes such as parenting and
acceptance, identity and difference, growing up and coming of
age, tolerance, love and self-esteem, they remain accessible and deeply
moving even to people who are resistant to the idea of transgender youth. In
collaboration with our outreach partner Gender Spectrum and
several other non-profits dedicated to creating safe and inclusive
classrooms for gender nonconforming youth, the films will be used to
educate teachers, administrators, parents and students in school communities
across the United States.
http://www.youthandgendermediaproject.org
and to purchase the Youth and Gender Media Project DVD:
http://www.newday.com/films/youthandgendermediaproject.html
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....
