Season 01 Ep 03: I Was Not Ready For This – When Your Child Comes Out as Transgender
There is no singular storyline that fits what it’s like when your child comes out.
Every kid is different. Every family is different.
Sometimes trans kids come out when they’re little—and sometimes they don’t.
Sometimes parents are on board from the get-go—and sometimes they aren’t.
Whether parents are on board or not, it’s crucial to get support.
No one prepares for the day their kid comes out as transgender. By calling in for backup, it makes rising to the meet the moment just a little bit easier.
And when we can get help, we’re much more likely to thrive—and so are our kids.
During our campfire talk today, we’ll hear from brave mom, Laura. Laura realized that asking for help, being vulnerable, and showing up in community with other parents was more important than being judged. Through PFLAG and a therapeutic group for parents of trans kids, Laura saw how other parents modeled compassion for their kids and for themselves.
Laura will also share about how her son, Lucas, came out and how she cultivated the courage to make her way down the path of affirming and supporting him through love and how she found connection with other parents going through something similar.
So, I have a Question:
Laura’s story might have brought up some questions for you so in the second part of this episode, Dr. Linda Hawkins, PHD. will lend us her expertise and answer some common questions she and I receive from parents as we do this work.
Dr. Hawkins is the Director of the Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities Training Program at Widener University & Director of the Gender & Sexuality Development Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She has more than 20 years of experience as a clinician.
Find this episode for free on your favorite podcast player.
Check out the full episode to hear about:
The first signs Laura noticed that her son was transgender
How PFLAG offered a place for Laura to connect with other parents of transgender kids
Why it takes time for some parents to get on board—and why that’s OK
How to find the right support and why affirming your child is hard—but so worth it
Ways to love your child for who they are