Many parents reading this are in a difficult moment. You may be uncertain, worried, or grieving something you had imagined for your child’s future. You do not need to have arrived anywhere yet. This section is here to help you understand what your child may be experiencing and to give you information so you can make thoughtful decisions for your family, at whatever pace feels right.
As the quote below, from Joan Ryan’s “The Water Giver”, suggests, parents can make a tremendous difference in how children experience their gender. Recognizing that every family is unique, with different family dynamics, as well as cultural, social, and religious influences, we can help you navigate questions about gender with the children in your life.
A note on language: Throughout this section, we use “parent” and “family” broadly. We know that the adults raising children include grandparents, foster parents, stepparents, and others. This information is for anyone in a parenting role.
Parenthood is about raising and celebrating the child you have, not the child you thought you would have. It’s about understanding that they are exactly the person they are supposed to be. And that, if you’re lucky, they just might be the teacher who turns you into the person you are supposed to be.
FINDING YOUR WAY
Families come to this topic from many different places. You may be just beginning to learn about gender diversity, or you may have been supporting your child for years and are now facing a new question or decision. Some families read through everything; others come back to different sections as new situations arise.
However you’re using this resource, you don’t need to read it all at once. Start where it makes sense for you.
