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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What Does It Mean to Decolonize Your Gender?
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What Does It Mean to Decolonize Your Gender?

Decolonizing gender involves challenging and dismantling the dominant Western, colonial perspectives on gender that have been imposed on marginalized communities. It means rejecting the rigid binary view of gender as solely male or female, and embracing a more fluid and expansive understanding of gender identity and expression

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The Rise of "They" Pronouns
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The Rise of "They" Pronouns

The use of singular "they/them" pronouns to refer to individuals who identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming is becoming increasingly common. A recent study examined how the adoption of these pronouns is impacting language and societal perceptions of gender.

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LGBTQ+ Couples Face Heightened Climate Risks: A Call for Inclusive Action
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LGBTQ+ Couples Face Heightened Climate Risks: A Call for Inclusive Action

A groundbreaking study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law has revealed that LGBTQ+ couples face heightened risks from climate change-related threats compared to their heterosexual counterparts. By addressing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ populations in climate change policies and disaster preparedness plans, we can work towards a more equitable and resilient future for all communities.

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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 20: Forgive Yourself
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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
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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
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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)
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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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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 15: Let Go, Accept, Grieve
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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 15: Let Go, Accept, Grieve

Raising a child is filled with dreams, expectations, and milestones. However, when your child comes out as transgender, those expectations may suddenly shift, and parents can experience a range of emotions that may feel overwhelming. In this crucial time, it is important to remember that your child’s journey is theirs, and one of the most significant ways to support them is by processing your own emotions and learning to let go of the future you envisioned for them. It’s natural to feel confused, afraid, or even grieve the loss of the identity you thought your child had.

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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 14: Get Therapy for You and Your Child
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How to Support Your Trans Child, Part 14: Get Therapy for You and Your Child

Therapy can provide essential support for both you and your transgender child, offering a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can address challenges and emotions. Engaging in therapy—whether individually or together—can play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of gender identity and the family dynamics that come with it.

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