How can you support a gender-nonconforming or transgender child?

If your child is persistent about gender identity feelings, listen. Talk to your child and ask questions without judgment. To support your child:

• Don't assume your child's gender expression is a form of rebellion or defiance.
• Don't prevent your child from expressing gender in public or at family activities to avoid it making you or someone else uncomfortable.
• Don't try to shame or punish the gender expression out of your child.
• Don't block your child's access to gender-diverse friends, activities or resources.
• Don't blame your child for experiencing discrimination.
• Don't belittle or ridicule your child's gender expression or allow others in your family to do so.

Speak positively about your child to your child and to others. Show your admiration for your child's identity and expression of it. By allowing your child to demonstrate preferences and share them, you'll encourage a positive sense of self and keep the lines of communication open.

Also, try to let go of specific fantasies you might have had about your child's future and, instead, focus on what brings your child joy and security. A child living with supportive parents and caregivers is likely to be a happier child.