Season 05 Ep 04: Beyond Pride: How Conservative Parents Became Fierce Allies
There is so much misinformation about trans people out there, and a lot of the kids and families I work with have people in their lives who simply do not understand what these kids are going through.
But I don't think anyone is a lost cause. Almost everyone is capable of learning and growing.
I reached out to today's guests because I wanted to discuss the experience of having a transgender kid while being in a conservative family.
I met Amanda and Tom, and their daughter Ella, in 2021 when Amanda contacted me after listening to the podcast. They are upper-class, white, and live in conservative rural Oregon.
They have wholeheartedly committed to educating themselves and supporting their daughter through her transition, strengthening their family in the process. They circled the wagons and did the work so that their kid could thrive.
Content note: brief, non-detailed mention of suicidal ideation.
Find this episode for free on your favorite podcast player.
Check out the full episode to hear about:
How Amanda and Tom realized they were at a point where they needed to learn and evolve to support Ella
How Tom’s relationship with Ella got a new beginning as a result of her transition
How Amanda and Tom drew a hard line in the sand on family acceptance
How having a trans child has impacted their politics
Why it’s so important to show up visibly and publicly supporting trans people