Raising a Gender Variant Child (Transgender Child)

[unconditionalove]

Hi Everyone, Im new to this.

Im posting this up in hope i can find someone to discuss issues with.

My child, born a boy, is 4 years old and has been very persistent on wanting to be girl. I love my child - no matter what, but would like some advice on how to handle this or just someone to talk to about this. I feel alone with this and have no one to talk with. i just want my child to be happy and safe.

[V M]

Hi  Welcome to Susan's

No... You're not alone

IMHO, let the child be who they wish

[Fenrir]

Hello and welcome.  You can find many others who, like you, are the parents of a transgender child in the Significant Others section of this site (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,26.0.html). You might receive more replies from people in the same situation; I am not sure how to advise you exactly on this matter because I am not MTF or a parent.
However, I do agree with letting your child do as she wishes. If your child is happiest that way, then that is all that matters, and she'll be stronger against those who would seek to insult her if you are strong as well. Supportive parents are always a wonderful thing to behold, well done for seeking to understand it! 

[Ellieka]

Hi there.

I'm so glad you came here. My heart goes out to you and your child and you are in my prayers.

I would love to talk with you and offer my support or just an ear to listen. You don't have to go through this alone, I promise.

If you click on the little yellow smiley face under my picture on the left it will open up yahoo messenger and you send me a private message or you can email me ellieka08@gmail [dot] com

[Kate Thomas]

 Welcome to Susan's Place unconditionalove!
Fenrir all ready pointed out our SO (Significant Other) pages to you, here are some other links that you may be interested in.

http://www.transfamily.org
has a resource/help hotline

http://community.pflag.org
likely has a local area support group near you.

"MOM, I NEED TO BE A GIRL" by Just Evelyn
is a very touching well told story of one mothers journey.
hosted on Lynn Conway's web pages


A website of GLBT Resources, nationwide, sorted by location: http://glbtnearme.org/

Best Wishes
Kate

[Janet_Girl]

There are a couple of resources online that are for and about gender-variant children and their families.

http://www.imatyfa.org/

[unconditionalove]

   Thank you to you all.

I will look at the web sites mentioned by you.

Thank you for the support!! 

[Sarah B]

Dear Unconditionalove

Please understand you are not alone, there are other children who have loving parents and accept their children for who they are. 

A very similar story to the one you have just told, can be found on Lauras playground by a parent called Andrew
and another by the same parent.  Another story told by a mother interviewed by Christine Burns is A Mother's Tale (Audio).

The following list[1] are some links to some resources, which will eventually lead you to other resources and contacts that might be helpful for you are:

• TransKids Purple Rainbow
• Transfamily
• PFLAG Transgender Network
• Childrens National Medical Center
• Gender Odyssey Conference
• Family Acceptance Project
• Gender Spectrum Edcuation and Training
• Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League
• Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network
• Natioanl Youth Advocacy Coali9tion
• National 10
• Hetrick Martin Instititue
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (Wpath)
• Gender Management Services Clinic, Children's Hospital Boston
• Dimensions Clinic.

One final story that tells the story of a young girl is called From Within. A truly remarkable story.  I hope you find these links and others helpful and that they let you know that you are not alone and there will always be someone to help you and your child.

Love your child unconditionally and let your child be who they want to be.

Kindest regards
Sarah B
[1] Transgender Children Resources Further links can be obtained from this web site.

[SamFtM]

Great links

Dear Unconditionalove

Please understand you are not alone, there are other children who have loving parents and accept their children for who they are. 

A very similar story to the one you have just told, can be found on Lauras playground by a parent called Andrew
and another by the same parent.  Another story told by a mother interviewed by Christine Burns is A Mother's Tale (Audio).

The following list[1] are some links to some resources, which will eventually lead you to other resources and contacts that might be helpful for you are:

• TransKids Purple Rainbow
• Transfamily
• PFLAG Transgender Network
• Childrens National Medical Center
• Gender Odyssey Conference
• Family Acceptance Project
• Gender Spectrum Edcuation and Training
• Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League
• Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network
• Natioanl Youth Advocacy Coali9tion
• National 10
• Hetrick Martin Instititue
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (Wpath)
• Gender Management Services Clinic, Children's Hospital Boston
• Dimensions Clinic.

One final story that tells the story of a young girl is called From Within. A truly remarkable story.  I hope you find these links and others helpful and that they let you know that you are not alone and there will always be someone to help you and your child.

Love your child unconditionally and let your child be who they want to be.

Kindest regards
Sarah B
[1] Transgender Children Resources Further links can be obtained from this web site.