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Parenting a child who is gender diverse

Understanding your child’s gender identity

Raising a child as one gender (male or female) and having them identify as another (or others) can be difficult for parents to understand.

By a very young age, most children know their gender identity and find it very difficult to think about themselves in any other way.

For other children understanding their gender identity is more complex and they may not be able to express this to you until they are much older. 

Many young people who are gender diverse will feel comfortable with their gender identity and may not desire any form of intervention or transition.

Others can feel extreme distress living in the gender assigned to them at birth and wish to take steps towards more accurately expressing their true gender. 

Talk to your child and ask them how they feel and what they need to ensure that you are protecting their physical and mental wellbeing.

Consider seeking professional assistance. There are many organisations that specialise in this sort of support.

My stepson suffered depression for many years and all along it was due to the fact he was transgender but didn’t feel as though he could tell anyone or articulate his confused feelings about his own sexuality.

After suffering alone for about 4 or 5 years, aged 16, he told us (his dad, mum and myself). Amazingly he went from being extremely isolated and withdrawn to being someone who is chatty and much happier!

It’s heartbreaking that he didn’t tell us earlier. We would have wholly supported him and helped in any way we could for him to feel loved, supported and not judged.

Step-parent of boy 16 

Puberty and your gender diverse child

Puberty can be a particularly distressing time for a child who is transgender as their body is developing more characteristics that do not match their gender identity.

It is important that parents and children know that there are options, including counselling and medical treatment, to help a child who is distressed about these body changes.

Seeking professional help before the onset of puberty ensures you and your child have accurate information and access to services for support through this time.

Discrimination and mental wellbeing

Discrimination related to gender identity can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing.

School can be a nurturing place, and there are lots of stories of young people being supported and celebrated in their identity.

Sadly, others can experience bullying, exclusion and abuse.

The statistics are alarming! Within their lifetime...

48%

of transgender people

have attempted suicide19 

80%

of transgender people

have self harmed19 

As for every child, support is essential. See the list of services and support groups for both you and your child below.

What you can do to help

  • Learn as much as you can from reliable, quality sources.

First steps: Supporting and caring for transgender children is a free booklet offers tips for parents, personal stories and how to be an ally.

  • Reach out to support groups for yourself and your child:

QLife provides free LGBTI peer support via phone and webchat from 3pm to midnight every night.

 

TransFolk of WA is a support service for all transgender people and their loved ones in WA.

  • Use your child’s preferred pronoun (he/she/they) and the name they wish to be called.

In the beginning you may find this difficult but it is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for your child’s gender identity and to maintain a positive relationship with your child.

  • Talk to your child’s school, sporting clubs and interest groups about how they can support your child.
  • Keep lines of communication open with your child – by talking, texting and messaging on social media.
  • Perhaps seek a referral from a doctor to visit the Gender Diversity Service at Perth Children’s Hospital.

Most importantly, keep telling them you love them!