Trans Kids, Our Kids: Stories and Resources from the Frontlines of the Movement for Transgender Youth is a new book that takes readers inside the movement for transgender youth, told through narratives that will open your eyes, break your heart, and give you hope. The book features stories of transgender youth, their parents and caregivers, and the broad and diverse community that supports them in their ability to thrive. Inherent in each of these stories is an abundance of lessons and models for change. We’ve distilled some of these action steps and resources down on this page – but we hope that the book, and the courageous ways that folks are providing support in their own communities, provide you with inspiration in your own life.
Take Action
There are many ways to take action in support of transgender youth at this critical time. Here are just a few things you can do to make a difference in your community:
Be an Advocate
To get involved in advocacy efforts in your town or state, reach out to statewide and community LGBTQ+ organizations like the ones referenced in this book. There are many amazing groups to get tapped into for action, from Georgia Equality to Louisiana Trans Advocates to Freedom Oklahoma. There are also wonderful coalitions bringing groups to statehouses across the country to share their testimonies with lawmakers, organize rallies and protests for LGBTQ+ justice, and support legal efforts to overturn discriminatory laws. Find an organization near you that aligns with your values, and get involved in supporting the trans people in your life.
Where to Start: Equality Federation is a hub for many statewide and advocacy-focused organizations across the country.
Start Small
Small acts of kindness and resistance add up. So, if you’re not ready to head to the statehouse (or you’ve already done so and need a break), think of the small things you can do to become a firefly in the world. Perhaps you can show support to a trans or queer friend who’s having a hard time. Or maybe you can support a trans BIPOC artist by buying or sharing their work. Support organizations that serve trans and queer youth in your own community.
Where to Start: Find a local LGBTQ+ center in your area with Centerlink, and see what’s happening in your community.
Share Stories
We know that what truly changes hearts and minds are the stories we tell each other. The stories in this book represent a diversity of experiences—but they are only a handful of the stories of trans people and those who love them, and there are so many more to be told (including, perhaps, your own). Seek out stories from people who are like—or not like—you. Write/ draw/sing your own story. And if and when you are safe or able to do so, share it with others. Finally, listen—especially to your friends and loved ones who are furthest out on the margins— and center their voices when you can.
Take Care
One thing that nearly everyone we interviewed for this book highlighted was the importance of creating community. In today’s climate, we need each other more than ever, so think about the ways in which you can connect. Find a support group where you can meet other LGBTQ+ youth or families. Share a meal with your neighbors or go to a Trans Day of Visibility event. If you’re a person of faith, stop by an affirming faith or interfaith community and see how you can get involved. Whether you meet folks online or in person, know that you don’t have to go it alone.
For Parents/Caregivers/Family Members/Allies
If you or your family are impacted by anti-trans bills, either directly or indirectly, finding community is critical. Always remember that there are people across the country who are on the same journey as you.
If your child needs gender-affirming care and you live in a state where that is not legal, please reach out to the Trans Youth Emergency Project (TYEP) for help. When you live in a state where gender-affirming care is banned, it can feel like there are no options—but TYEP can serve as abridge to make sure your child gets the care they need.
For parents, caregivers, or family members who want to be better allies to trans youth, listen to them and their stories. Believe them when they tell you who they are—and seek ways to support them. But don’t forget—trans kids are still kids. Their transness isn’t their only defining trait. If they love to read books or shoot hoops or play Dungeons and Dragons, ask them about the books they like, grab a basketball, or ask them what they think of gelatinous cubes. None of us are one-note humans—and neither are trans kids.
Where to Start:
- Some great places to start finding support groups and other resources (either virtual or in person) are PFLAG and TransParent.
- To get help identifying and paying for travel to gender-affirming care in states without restrictions, write to the Trans Youth Emergency Project.
For Trans Young People
If you are a young trans person, remember that there are many people out there who are fighting alongside you. Tap into LGBTQ+ youth organizations, affirming groups, and community centers to experience the abundance of love that is pouring in your direction.
If it’s hard to find LGBTQ+ groups for youth in your community or school, look for virtual support. Some state and regional LGBTQ+ organizations offer online programming for youth.
You can also join the GSA at your school—or if you don’t have one, see if you can start one. Even if you can’t have a GSA at your school due to discriminatory policies, see if you can find or start one at a community center, a library, or in other affirming community spaces.
Where to Start:
- CenterLink offers a directory of LGBTQ+ centers online and LGBTQ YouthLink has specific pages for youth-serving programs.
- The Trevor Project has more than 500 online clubs through its TrevorSpace program (for youth ages thirteen to twenty-four).
- Some PFLAG programs offer virtual meetings for youth and their families.
- Queer Youth Assemble hosts in-person and virtual activities throughout the United States.
- Get more resources on finding or starting GSA clubs at the GSA Network.
- To get help identifying and paying for travel to gender-affirming care in states without restrictions, ask your parent or caregiver to write to the Trans Youth Emergency Project.
For Trans Adults
While this book is aimed at transgender youth and their families, if you are a trans adult, we want you to know you are also not alone! We want to see trans youth become trans adults, and we want trans adults to feel safe, loved, affirmed—and protected. It can be so hard to watch the steady erosion of human rights in this country and feel fear about trans futures. But we hope the stories in this book remind you that there are others out there—both trans folks and allies—who are working hard to build communities, share resources, and fight for equity and justice. We welcome you to join (or continue) this fight.
At the same time, it is so important to sustain yourself— with community, with joy, and with care for yourself. So, use some of the resources outlined above to find community groups and access supportive services. Share your stories and make art. Join a trans-inclusive group focused on a favorite hobby or sport. Find affirming affinity groups or faith communities. Look for trans-friendly groups on Meetup. And if you can’t find a group, consider creating one.
Where to Start:
- Learn more about faith-focused resources for LGBTQ+ people here.
- If you live in a Southern state, the Campaign for Southern Equality’s Trans in the South Guide is a useful tool that can help you find the medical, legal, and other resources to continue living with autonomy and dignity.
Organizations Featured in Trans Kids, Our Kids
To learn more about some of the amazing organizations featured and discussed in Trans Kids, Our Kids, please visit the websites below:
- Campaign for Southern Equality
- Elevated Access
- The GenderCool Project
- GLSEN
- kin•dom camp
- inTRANSitive
- Kentucky Health Justice Network
- Lambda Legal
- NAYA Family Center
- OUTMemphis
- PFLAG National
- Queer Youth Assemble
- QMed
- Safe Space Dinners
- Temple Beth El
- The T.R.A.N.S. Program
- Trans Social
- The Trevor Project
- We Are Family
- Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists
- Youth Action Fund
