Although PFLAG stands for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, they are an amazing organization that extends their guidance and support beyond the limits of their famous name. They are tireless advocates for the rights of transgender individuals and I am proud to be a member. If you need help, someone to talk to or a way to find a place to stay tonight, please visit http://www.pflag.org internationally, email info@pflag.org or call 202-467-8180 for their hotline. Help is only a phone call away.
Check out Gender Spectrum for ways to connect with other families across the country. They host an annual conference where families and kids can come together, learn about themselves and each other.
Definitely connect with TransActive, an organization that educates and supports both kids and families. Founder Jenn Burleton is both insightful and entertaining. If you feel like you can’t wrap your head around gender identity, attend one of Jenn’s seminars. You’ll walk away feeling like you have a new perspective on gender identity and the future.
As always, please let me know if you are interested in other resources or want to add to this amazing list. I can be reached at Jen@JenniferCarrBooks.com.
Best wishes, Jen
I just want to say thanks for being so compassionate. I wish there were more people in the world who are and it kind of makes me a little sad that we see compasionate people as having some kind of special ability. How children are raised and treated is such a senstive issue for me because I see how easily people hurt children with something as simple as their words or lack of them.
Your daughter has blessed you with her presence and I wish only the best for both of you. If both of you stay true to your spirits, I believe you will both make the best choices for yourselves, now and in the future. That is true for all of us.
In solidarity,
Martha
Dear Martha, Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, and us here. I have to admit, I feel blessed to be Hope’s mom, almost like it was divine that the two of us were placed in this journey together. Before her, I was a person who was disconnected from the truth in my life. I displayed a persona to people instead of sharing my heart. I was afraid. I was lonely. I was empty. My children changed all of that and they are the ones that inspire me to tap into my truth and to freely share my heart with the world. It’s a transformation, completely. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. My Best- Jen
Hello Jen,
Just want to say you are a wonderful parent. I am a 53yr old trans woman who was totally rejected by my parents. They are both dead now giving me some peace. I knew I was different when I was around 3 or 4 yrs of age. I transitioned when I was 40 when my parents were still both living. It was their mission in life to cure me. Their belief system was deeply rooted in religion which made me an evil unwanted child in my mind. My life was hell on earth. It has affected me horribly and still does to this day to not have the love and acceptance of your parents. Shortly after I transitioned they tossed me aside as their child never to speak to me again. They both died without ever conversing with me ever again. It is a very difficult set of circumstances to live with the rest of your life.
I have 2 beautiful loving accepting adult children who make my life worth living but sometimes I am sure I would not be here if not for them because of the damage my parents inflicted upon me my entire life while they were alive.
YOU are doing the right thing! Love your children as they are! I never chose to be brought into this world but my parents never wanted what they got. I always feel so cheated when I read of a wonderful parent like you!
As for my own children I love and support them no matter what. They had no choice to come into this world; I made that decision along with my wife. It is a parent’s responsibility to love and accept their children unconditionally. It is a persons’ duty as a parent.
Lots of love,
Sara