TRANS* 101
Explore the following links to learn more about about trans* perspectives and basic definitions.
Terms (1)
SEX: A biological concept that typically recognizes two categories of "male" and "female", based on genitalia and reproductive organs.
vs.
GENDER: A social construct that encompasses traits beyond assigned biology, and exists at a personal, social, and political level.
...And next, navigate to this GLOSSARY for more definitions and terms.
Terms (1)
SEX: A biological concept that typically recognizes two categories of "male" and "female", based on genitalia and reproductive organs.
vs.
GENDER: A social construct that encompasses traits beyond assigned biology, and exists at a personal, social, and political level.
...And next, navigate to this GLOSSARY for more definitions and terms.
For families
Step One: Initiating Conversation
- Use appropriate language and preferred pronouns - www.imatyfa.org
- Maintain supportive parenting practices - www.genderspectrum.org
- Conference for gender-nonconforming and transgender families - www.genderodysseyfamily.org
- Talking to other family members about trans*youth - www.hrc.org
For educators
Step One: Establish a Safe School
- Resources for creating safe schools - www.safeschoolscoalition.org
- Meet needs of students and advocate for bullying protection - www.advocatesforyouth.org
recent Trans* in the news
- Transgender Youth Identity Reveals Significance of Parental Acceptance - Huffington Post - This article summarizes a recently published study that surveyed 32 young transgender children with supportive families to monitor their success with social and academic pursuits, as well as overall well-being. Even though long-term outcomes have yet to be uncovered, the idea that parental support is central to the development of trans*youths lives appears to be evidence-based. (5)
- Prejudice, Parental Choice, and the Death of Leelah Alcorn - Advocate.com - The highly publicized death of Leelah Alcorn shed a controversial light on a family's role in the acceptance and support (or lack thereof) of a trans* identified youth. This article suggests that when parents act as a child's primary advocate, it creates the foundation for support that extends beyond the home. Compassion and understanding from families can save the lives of trans*youth. (6)
- Rep. Mike Honda 'Humbled' by Support for His Transgender Grandchild - LA Times - California Congressman Mike Honda has publicly been showing support for his grandchild through social media. Though the response to his public displays have been mixed, ultimately it is positive to have political figures such as Rep. Honda increasing the visibility for trans* youth throughout the community. (10)
Trans* Support organizations
The above links are just a start! These following organizations provide extensive resources for allies of trans* youth. Please click through and use the directories to find the resources that fit your needs as the family transcendence evolves.
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.