If your child tells you they are transgender, it might feel confusing or surprising. You may not know what to say or do next. That is okay. The most important thing is to show love and support. Your child is trusting you with something very personal. That trust is a gift.
What Does It Mean to Be Trans?
A transgender person is someone whose gender identity is different from the sex they were given at birth. For example, someone who was called a girl at birth might feel like a boy. Or they might not feel like either a boy or a girl. That does not mean your child is confused. It means they are being honest about who they are.
Listen First
You do not need to have all the answers. Start by listening. Let your child tell you how they feel in their own words. Ask what name and pronouns they want you to use. Try not to interrupt or correct them. Just listen.
Your Love Makes a Difference
Many trans kids face bullying, rejection, or fear. But when they feel loved and supported at home, they are more likely to be happy and safe. Family support is one of the most powerful ways to help your child stay strong and healthy.
You Can Learn Together
It is okay to have questions. It is okay to not understand everything at once. What matters is that you are willing to learn. You can read, ask respectful questions, and talk to others who support trans youth. You are not alone in this.
What You Can Do
- Use your child's chosen name and pronouns
- Stand up for them when others are unkind
- Find a doctor or therapist who understands trans kids
- Help them change their name or gender marker if they want to
- Keep learning and keep the conversation open
In a Time of Fear, Be Their Shelter
You may be scared too. There are loud voices out there trying to make trans people feel unsafe. These voices are wrong, but they are real. Some laws are being changed to take away rights. Some media spreads fear and confusion. It is normal to feel worried.
But your job is not to give in to fear. Your job is to protect your child. You are the person they look to when the world gets hard. That means standing with them when others attack their identity. That means helping them feel safe, even when the news is scary. You do not have to fight alone. There are many others doing this work too. But your child will remember that you stayed by their side. That is what matters most.
You Are Still Their Parent
Being trans does not change who your child is. They are still the same person you have always loved. What is changing is that they are now showing you more of who they really are. That is something to be proud of.