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LGBTQ, Uncategorized

International Transgender Day Of Visibility 2023

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Beech Acres Parenting Center joins in the celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31. We honor the joy and strength of trans and non-binary people.  The Transgender Day of Visibility was started by Rachel Crandall, of Transgender Michigan, in 2010.  She created this day in reaction to media coverage that focused mostly on transgender violence and wanted to create a day to celebrate transgender people and empower them to live honestly while acknowledging that discrimination prevents some from being visible. “I am transgender and this doesn’t mean that I am unlovable.” Lana Wachowski Today there are more than 1.6 million transgender youth (13+) and adults in the US. As a parenting center, we want to create safe spaces for all people to be fully themselves and empower parents to raise healthy and happy children in line with their values. Science has shown us that there are certain behaviors that caregivers can engage in (regardless of beliefs) that can help their LGBTQ children thrive and certain behaviors that can cause harm.   Here are some ways you can support and celebrate the people in your life who identify as transgender: Engaging in these behaviors can increase mental health outcomes, decrease depression, and lower rates of suicidality.  “To all trans youth out there, I would like to say respect yourself and be proud of who you are. All human beings deserve equal treatment no matter their gender identity or sexuality. To be perceived as what you say you are is a basic right.” Andrej Pejic Check out these resources to learn more about how you can celebrate your transgender family and friends. At Beech Acres Parenting Center we believe the best way to help children is through their parents. You have the strengths you need to raise capable, caring, contributing children and we’re here to help. Additional Resources:

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LGBTQ

Coming Out: A Guide for Parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Gender Expansive (LGBTQ+) Youth

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Coming Out: A Guide for Parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Gender Expansive (LGBTQ+) Youth Parenting is full of surprises. From the day your child is born, parenting takes unexpected twists and turns. Parents’ dreams and expectations for their children evolve as families create their own paths. When parents learn their child is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or gender-expansive (LGBTQ+), they may experience a wide variety of emotions. Confusion about their child’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Worry about how others will treat their child. Concern because they were taught being LGBTQ+ is wrong or even sinful. So, what to do when your child comes out? Let them know you love them. For many LGBTQ+ youths, telling their parents is an act of bravery – the hardest part of coming out. Knowing parents love and accept them for who they are allows all kids – and LGBTQ+ youth in particular – to feel confident they can negotiate the wider world.   Not surprisingly, research shows that LGBTQ+ adolescents who are supported by their families grow up to be happier and healthier adults. Simple sentiments such as, “I love you. I’m here for you. I’ll always have your back” can mean the world to LGBQT+ youth negotiating a scary and uncertain time. Talk and listen. Be intentional about taking time to talk through issues and listen to your child. You don’t need to be an expert on LGBTQ+ issues. Ask open and curious questions about your child’s interests, friends, and experiences. Often, kids and teens have difficulty opening up, so start small and be persistent. Staying connected makes it easier for your kids to approach you with bigger and more complex issues like sexuality, identity, discrimination, or even harassment and violence. Educate yourself. First, clear up any misconceptions you may have about what it means to be LGBTQ+ and learn about the LGBTQ+ community and the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Becoming educated helps you become more aware of issues that may arise and empowers you to advocate for your child when needed. Parents can access many organizations and online information resources to learn more about how they can support their LGBTQ+ teen, other family members, and their teen’s friends. And because LGBTQ+ teens are more at risk for bullying or violence, it’s important for parents to watch for behaviors that might indicate their teen experiencing any of these types of issues. If bullying, violence, or depression is suspected, parents should take immediate action, working with school personnel and other adults in the community. Visit our website for information on understanding transgender. Stay connected. Being supportive can be challenging when, as a parent, you may experience stress, surprise, or confusion. And teens, by nature, often do not reach out or disclose information. Resist any urges to pull away from each other during these times – your child is experiencing more difficulty with this than you are. And if either or both of you are struggling, reach out for help. Find a counselor, doctor, family member, or community organization to help support everyone through any challenges that may arise. Be proactive about relationships and social media. Positive environments are important to help all youth thrive and develop healthy relationships. However, LGBTQ+ youth face some unique challenges. Some LGBTQ+ youth rely on social media and apps on their phone to meet others. While these can provide support and validation, the content can be inappropriate. And encourage your teen to develop safe and healthy relationships. While dating can be unnerving for any parent, encouraging your LGBTQ+ child to date in an age-appropriate way builds important life skills and sends the powerful message that LGBTQ+ relationships are normal and healthy. Become an ally. What better way to show your child your support than to become an LGBTQ+ ally? Advocate for a gay-straight alliance (GSA) at your child’s school, which have been shown to make schools safer and boost academic performance among LGBTQ+ students. Push for more inclusive sex education. And if issues arise, speak up again and again to the teacher, administrators, or employers, until the concern is resolved. You can also display a supportive image such as a rainbow or transgender flag or sticker. LGBTQ+ youth are quick to pick up on cues they see in their environment, and such displays can make a difference in how they perceive their surroundings. Relevant Links: https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth-resources.htm/ https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/programs/safe-supportive/index https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/articles-and-answers/ask-the-expert/tips-for-parents-lgbtq-youth https://pflag.org/resource/our-children https://pflag.org/find-a-chapter https://arist.app/orgs/beech-acres/courses/dbad0861-7c42-482a-a0e7-0e48513bd125

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Parenting Tips, Uncategorized

Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Fluid Fast Facts for Parents

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Important discussions around gender are happening more and more in today’s families. These discussions are important and can help you support your child if they have questions about gender identity. Here are some fast facts to help you have those discussions. NEW! Sign up for our text message-based course, Understanding and Supporting Transgender Youth. In this course, you’ll be given a brief introduction to who and what the term “transgender” refers to. You’ll also learn ways to support transgender youth while they learn about and express their gender identity. These courses are designed for today’s parents by our parenting experts. Click here to sign up today! Fast Facts on Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Fluid First, some definitions to help you understand these terms. Transgender is a broadly used term for persons whose gender expression and identity are different from their sex at birth. According to The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, 700,000 people in the United States identify as transgender. While adolescents already face many challenges, transgender youth often struggle with additional challenges and difficulties. Non-Binary individuals don’t feel like one gender or the other. Gender for them is more “fluid” than we’ve traditionally thought it to be. Non-binary gender identity is simply one term that may be used to describe individuals who may experience a gender identity that is neither exclusively male or exclusively female or is in between or even beyond both genders. Non-binary individuals may also identify as gender-fluid, which is a person who does not necessarily identify themselves as having a fixed gender. How Can You Support Your Child? It is critical for parents to be supportive of their children as they discover their gender identity. A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health discovered that the average age that transgender youth notice their gender incongruity is age 8. As these youth head into puberty and adolescence, it is imperative that they have the support they need. LGBTQ youth are at an increased risk of being bullied, In fact, stopbullying.gov reports that over 50% of LGBTQ students in grades 9-12 experienced cyberbullying. Developing their social intelligence, self-confidence, and perseverance can help them navigate difficult situations. The American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement in support of transgender youth in 2017. In this statement, AAP stated: “As pediatricians, we know that transgender children fare much better when they feel supported by their family, school, and the larger community. Shaming children based on their gender identity or expression is harmful to their social-emotional health and may have lifelong consequences. This includes public discourse that de-legitimizes the contributions that transgender individuals make to society.” Parents can support their kids first by listening. This can be difficult territory for your child and you to navigate. Build upon their strengths of bravery and honesty. These are demonstrated in sharing their unique self with others. Being open, honest, and supportive will establish trust with your child. Be careful to not force labels on your child. It is important to respectfully address them using the pronouns they are comfortable with. Letting your child be who they are, helps them define themselves and their own personality. Identify their individual strengths and help them develop those by spotting them, naming them, and encouraging the use of those strengths. As always, seek professional advice if you feel ill-equipped to help your child with this or any issue. When parents learn their child is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or gender-expansive (LGBTQ+), they may experience a wide variety of emotions. Confusion about their child’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Worry about how their child will be treated by others. Concern because they were taught being LGBTQ+ is wrong or even sinful. So, what to do when your child comes out? At Beech Acres Parenting Center we believe the best way to help children is through their parents. You have the strengths you need to raise capable, caring, contributing children and we’re here to help. You can download our Fast Facts on Transgender here. Beech Acres Parenting Center affirms the worth and dignity of all children. We believe that discrimination based on gender identity or expression is damaging to the health of children, families, and society. As the fight for inclusion moves from public restrooms to school locker rooms, Beech Acres unequivocally and emphatically stands in solidarity with transgender youth, and all transgender individuals. Read more… Additional Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/ transgender.htm https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/how-many-people-lgbt/ https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/06/health/teens-gender-nonconforming-study-trnd/index.html https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/parenthood/transgender-nonbinary-youth https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/a/adolescent-medicine/programs/transgender Our friends at the Cincinnati Public Library put together this reading list featuring transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid characters.

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