As therapists, we know that strong parent-child attachment and gender affirming practices are BOTH important for transgender young people to grow up healthy and secure in themselves (Travers et al., 2012; Ryan et al., 2010). The current public discourse around parental disclosure of gender identity information in schools is polarized for political gain. We want a better, balanced, evidence based conversation to happen around how parents can be involved while respecting the autonomy, agency, and pace of transgender young people, which is why we think you should read this op-ed and practice guidelines for teachers from nofornow.ca. Please share this document with school staff, school board personnel, politicians, or whoever you think should know.
Photo credit: Laura Collins, September 20, 2023 from Vancouver’s Jack Poole Plaza
References
Travers, R., Bauer, G., Pyne, J., Bradley, K., Gale, L., Papadimitriou, M. (2012). Impacts of strong parental support for trans youth: A report prepared for Children’s Aid Society of Toronto and Delisle Youth Services. Trans PULSE. https://transpulseproject.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Impacts-of-Strong-Parental-Support-for-Trans-Youth-vFINAL.pdf
Ryan, C., Russell, S. T., Huebner, D., Diaz, R., & Sanchez, J. (2010). Family acceptance in adolescence and the health of LGBT young adults. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 23(4), 205-213.
