Why Trans*Cendent?
The obstacles facing trans-identified youth could be considered profound, but with the appropriate support from families and peers, individuals can thrive regardless of gender and sexual orientation. As an increasing number of adolescents are put in touch with resources via online, social media, school, and peer support networks to navigate these challenges of coming out, the need for family awareness, connection, and involvement becomes paramount as well.
According to research discussed in The Journal of LGBT Youth, LGBTQ youth--particularly transgender and gender non-conforming individuals--are at high risk among their peers for depression, suicidal tendencies, self-harm, anxiety, harassment, social isolation, and academic difficulties. (8, 9) Unfortunately, adults that may have the authority to intervene are often unequipped to handle the situations that arise in a school setting. (4) Although adolescent are finding their own support in peer forums and are active online, a disconnect still exists between peer-to-peer and older generation/family dialogue. (3) By overcoming that barrier, it becomes possible to broaden the scope of resources available to the individuals who need it most.
Ally programs for LGBTQ youth provide the key to breaking down the ignorance and phobias associated with society's views on gender. The purpose of these programs and organizations is to educate others on what it means to be on the trans* spectrum, deconstruct stereotypes, and make trans* issues salient. With increased visibility of trans*youth and the challenges they face, more attention can be directed to solving these societal problems. Therefore, it is up to parents, family, and educators to take initiative on tackling the cisnormative society. Some pilot programs including The Family Acceptance Project and training seminars for counselors and educators have documented success with helping all people involved in a trans*youth's life navigate transitions and facilitate healthy dialogue. (8,9) The impacts of these programs demonstrate an overall boost in positive outcomes, socially and academically, for these individuals. Overall, with the vast diversity celebrated in contemporary families, ensuring that trans*youth will feel comfortable and well-adjusted is the next big step. (2) Engaging families of trans*individuals can only lead to the bettering of interpersonal relationships, and the effects will resonate beyond the nuclear family to include social, political, and institutional facets of society as a whole.
According to research discussed in The Journal of LGBT Youth, LGBTQ youth--particularly transgender and gender non-conforming individuals--are at high risk among their peers for depression, suicidal tendencies, self-harm, anxiety, harassment, social isolation, and academic difficulties. (8, 9) Unfortunately, adults that may have the authority to intervene are often unequipped to handle the situations that arise in a school setting. (4) Although adolescent are finding their own support in peer forums and are active online, a disconnect still exists between peer-to-peer and older generation/family dialogue. (3) By overcoming that barrier, it becomes possible to broaden the scope of resources available to the individuals who need it most.
Ally programs for LGBTQ youth provide the key to breaking down the ignorance and phobias associated with society's views on gender. The purpose of these programs and organizations is to educate others on what it means to be on the trans* spectrum, deconstruct stereotypes, and make trans* issues salient. With increased visibility of trans*youth and the challenges they face, more attention can be directed to solving these societal problems. Therefore, it is up to parents, family, and educators to take initiative on tackling the cisnormative society. Some pilot programs including The Family Acceptance Project and training seminars for counselors and educators have documented success with helping all people involved in a trans*youth's life navigate transitions and facilitate healthy dialogue. (8,9) The impacts of these programs demonstrate an overall boost in positive outcomes, socially and academically, for these individuals. Overall, with the vast diversity celebrated in contemporary families, ensuring that trans*youth will feel comfortable and well-adjusted is the next big step. (2) Engaging families of trans*individuals can only lead to the bettering of interpersonal relationships, and the effects will resonate beyond the nuclear family to include social, political, and institutional facets of society as a whole.
Site References
1. Tauches, K. (2011). Transgendering: Challenging the “Normal.” In Seidman, S., Fischer, N. & Meeks (Eds.), Introducing The New Sexuality Studies. Taylor-Francis. 2nd Edition.
2. Burke, M.C. & Olsen, K.A. (2011). Queering the Family. In Seidman, S., Fischer, N. & Meeks (Eds.), Introducing The New Sexuality Studies. Taylor-Francis. 2nd Edition.
3. Crowley, M.S. (2010). Defining Themselves: LGBQS Youth Online. In Bertram C.C., Crowley, M.S., & Massey, S.G (Eds.), Beyond Progress and Marginalization, LGBTQ Youths in Educational Contexts (91-110).
4. Woolley, S.W. (2014). (Im)perceptible Silences: Hearing LGBTQ Silences and Voices in School.
5. Seamann, A.M. (2015). Transgender Youth Identity Reveals Significance of Parental Acceptance. Huffington Post: Gay Voices. Retrieved February 17th, 2015 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/03/transgender-kids-issues_n_6599824.html.
6. Pepper, R. (2015). Prejudice, Parental Choice and the Death of Leelah Alcorn. Advocate.com. Retrieved February 17th, 2015 from http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2015/01/30/op-ed-prejudice-parental-choice-and-death-leelah-alcorn.
7. Human Rights Campaign. (2015). Transgender Children and Youth. Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved February 17th, 2015 from http://www.hrc.org/topics/transgender-children-youth
8. Ryan, C. (2010). Engaging Families to Support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: The Family Acceptance Project. The Prevention Researcher, 17(4), 11-14.
9. Case, K.A. & Meier, S.C. (2014). Developing Allies for Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Youth: Training for Counselors and Educators. Journal of LGBT Youth, 11, 62-82.
10. Rocha, V.(2015). Rep. Mike Honda 'humbled' by support for transgender grandchild. LAtimes.com. Retreived March 3rd, 2014 from
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rep-mike-honda-transgender-support-20150220-htmlstory.html.
1. Tauches, K. (2011). Transgendering: Challenging the “Normal.” In Seidman, S., Fischer, N. & Meeks (Eds.), Introducing The New Sexuality Studies. Taylor-Francis. 2nd Edition.
2. Burke, M.C. & Olsen, K.A. (2011). Queering the Family. In Seidman, S., Fischer, N. & Meeks (Eds.), Introducing The New Sexuality Studies. Taylor-Francis. 2nd Edition.
3. Crowley, M.S. (2010). Defining Themselves: LGBQS Youth Online. In Bertram C.C., Crowley, M.S., & Massey, S.G (Eds.), Beyond Progress and Marginalization, LGBTQ Youths in Educational Contexts (91-110).
4. Woolley, S.W. (2014). (Im)perceptible Silences: Hearing LGBTQ Silences and Voices in School.
5. Seamann, A.M. (2015). Transgender Youth Identity Reveals Significance of Parental Acceptance. Huffington Post: Gay Voices. Retrieved February 17th, 2015 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/03/transgender-kids-issues_n_6599824.html.
6. Pepper, R. (2015). Prejudice, Parental Choice and the Death of Leelah Alcorn. Advocate.com. Retrieved February 17th, 2015 from http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2015/01/30/op-ed-prejudice-parental-choice-and-death-leelah-alcorn.
7. Human Rights Campaign. (2015). Transgender Children and Youth. Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved February 17th, 2015 from http://www.hrc.org/topics/transgender-children-youth
8. Ryan, C. (2010). Engaging Families to Support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: The Family Acceptance Project. The Prevention Researcher, 17(4), 11-14.
9. Case, K.A. & Meier, S.C. (2014). Developing Allies for Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Youth: Training for Counselors and Educators. Journal of LGBT Youth, 11, 62-82.
10. Rocha, V.(2015). Rep. Mike Honda 'humbled' by support for transgender grandchild. LAtimes.com. Retreived March 3rd, 2014 from
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rep-mike-honda-transgender-support-20150220-htmlstory.html.