Parents and those in a parenting role have questions and concerns that are wide ranging - because their areas of responsibility are many and varied.
We acknowledge that those parenting trans and gender diverse children of any age are thinking about issues and factors that can seem overwhelming and all consuming.
We understand that practical concerns around school, work, access to treatment and transition can be difficult to grapple with. We also know that there can be a sense of grief and loss; and that family and relationship issues can arise.
Being able to speak to other parents, share your experiences and seek peer support can make the process easier to navigate.
Please contact us for peer support or to be put in contact with other parents, resources, groups and services in your area.
Some questions you may find yourself asking…
- Is this a phase?
- How does my child know?
- How and what do we tell people?
- What will happen at sport/school/work?
- My child has mental health issues/school refusal issues, what do I do?
- Is binding/tucking safe?
- How will we access blockers and hormones?
- My child may need voice and communication assistance.
- How will my child navigate romantic and sexual relationships?
Reaching out to us for support and connections to other parents can give you another avenue to ask these questions; in a supported friendly atmosphere.
We have compiled a list of some reference Books, Blogs and Podcasts which can be an excellent resource for parents.
A note about privacy
When our children share their gender identity with us, we are being entrusted with information and a truth that is not our own. Maintaining each child’s right to privacy and respect is a fundamental part of this process. Privacy may mean not disclosing a child’s status as a trans or gender diverse person. It may mean not using their birth name or sharing it with others, or it may mean that you don’t ask questions about gender, sexuality or your child’s body unless invited to do so.
Rainbow Door
Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay , Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, BrotherBoys, SisterGirls) helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. This service is run by Switchboard Victoria.
Download "Coming out Vs Inviting In" PDF from Rainbow Network.
When your child comes to you with questions or tells you that they are or may be trans or gender diverse, it can be helpful to have some basic information.
Kids Telethon Institute factsheet Gender Diversity
Largest Australian Study into Trans and Gender Diverse Young People
- Trans Pathways study. Summary Guide
Auspath (Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines for Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents.
Gender affirming working group
Discussion space for Medical and Mental Health Professionals, Academics, Researchers, Activists, and Allies Supporting Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth
Young Children
Australian Made Concealing underwear for trans girls and young women
For Parents of Teens
What to do when your child comes out
Scarleteen - inclusive, comprehensive and supportive sexuality and relationships info for teens and emerging adults.
Language
The language used to affirm the identities of trans and gender diverse people is constantly evolving, but it is a vital part of how we show our respect and support.
We have included a selection of terms that might be helpful. Teens and young people in particular are always coming up with new terms and ways to refer to themselves, so this list is ever changing and not exhaustive.
The Age published an article examining the importance of keeping up to date and using appropriate and affirming language
Missing in translation, a new media guide for reporting trans issues.
A guide to understanding gender identity and pronouns
If your situation is urgent please contact 000, Qlife 1800 184 527 (3pm-12am), Lifeline 131114 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
