Surgery, Setbacks, and Strength—A Mother’s Role in Gender-Affirming Care
Alexander Stefanini Alexander Stefanini

Surgery, Setbacks, and Strength—A Mother’s Role in Gender-Affirming Care

Surgeries in Arizona

We stayed in an Airbnb townhouse close to the surgeon’s office, surgical center, and local hospital. As planned, we had a rental car for 10 days and used an Uber from then on. Since I was not working and Caroline had recently attended her second college graduation, we were able to stay in town for all follow-up visits with the surgeon.

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Navigating the Legal System—Name and Gender Marker Changes Without a Lawyer
Alexander Stefanini Alexander Stefanini

Navigating the Legal System—Name and Gender Marker Changes Without a Lawyer

Legal Gender and Name Change

I can’t tell you how lucky I was to have the mentor I met at my first PTWC. She happened to live in the same county in Pennsylvania as Caroline. She took the time to write a seven-page document on how to save tons of money by not hiring an attorney to file the required paperwork for a legal name change at the County Court of Common Pleas.

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From Hormones to Coming Out—The First Steps of Medical and Social Transition
Alexander Stefanini Alexander Stefanini

From Hormones to Coming Out—The First Steps of Medical and Social Transition

Physical and Social Transition Begins

One of the most difficult and frustrating tasks in 2017–18 was finding an endocrinologist who was willing to help Caroline with her 15-month pre-surgical hormone treatment following her decision not to save sperm. I searched her insurance network and called group practices of endocrinologists, one after another, and was told that not only did they not have anyone trained in transgender care, they had no one interested in coming up to speed to do so.

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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 20: Forgive Yourself
resources Alexander Stefanini resources Alexander Stefanini

How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 20: Forgive Yourself

Supporting a transgender child is a journey full of emotions, learning, and growth. As a parent, it's important to recognize that you won't always get everything right. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or worry that you've made mistakes along the way, but a critical part of this journey is learning to forgive yourself. Prioritizing mental health support for both you and your child is key in navigating this process, and seeking out trans-inclusive counseling can offer the professional guidance you both need.

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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 19: Ask Before Acting
resources Alexander Stefanini resources Alexander Stefanini

How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 19: Ask Before Acting

As the family of a trans kid, one of the most important principles you can embrace is respect for your child’s autonomy. Transitioning, or exploring one’s gender identity, is deeply personal, and every step of the journey should center on your child’s comfort and choices. Parental support for trans kids is not just about offering love and encouragement, but also about recognizing and honoring their right to make decisions about their identity and how it is shared with others.

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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 18: Become an Ally
resources Alexander Stefanini resources Alexander Stefanini

How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 18: Become an Ally

One of the most impactful ways to support your transgender child is to learn how to be an ally. As your child grows and faces challenges unique to the transgender community, your role as an advocate becomes even more important. Being an ally isn’t just about accepting your child’s identity—it’s about actively standing up for them and creating a world where they can thrive.

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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 17: Prioritize Mental Health (Yours and Theirs)
resources Alexander Stefanini resources Alexander Stefanini

How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 17: Prioritize Mental Health (Yours and Theirs)

When supporting your transgender child, prioritizing LGBTQ+ mental health is essential for both your child’s well-being and your own. Mental health plays a critical role in navigating the challenges and emotions that come with their transition, and as a parent, you have the opportunity to foster a nurturing and supportive environment. This means focusing on not just your child’s mental health, but also your own, as you both face different, yet equally important, emotional journeys.

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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 16: Check In Regularly
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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 16: Check In Regularly

Parenting a transgender child comes with unique challenges and responsibilities. One of the most crucial aspects of how to parent a trans child is to maintain open, ongoing communication. Whether your child came out years ago or more recently, it’s important to check in regularly with them about their well-being, feelings, and evolving needs. These regular conversations not only show your love and support but also create a safe space where your child feels heard and valued.

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